Financial Accountant

Suntory Beverage and Food; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Beverage and Food is seeking a GB&I Financial Accountant to support month end close, cashflow forecasting, and audit activities across three entities in the UK. The role includes treasury responsibilities, working capital improvements, and coordinating with external auditors.

You will drive consolidation, ensure accuracy of statutory accounts, and support IFRS changes while collaborating with Supply Chain and other finance teams to optimise processes and data accuracy.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACCA/ACA/CA or CIMA.
• FMCG experience would be advantageous.
• ERP system transition experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Ensure timely month end close for intercompany reconciliations, lease/CAPEX accounting, royalties and treasury.
• Lead the GB&I direct cashflow forecasting process with weekly stakeholder reviews.
• Support consolidated GB&I Balance sheet and Free Cash Flow forecasts; drive working capital improvements.
• Assist month end processes to meet deadlines; run FICO reconciliations and SAP data loads.
• Support monthly Free Cash Flow reporting and analysis of working capital movements.
• Prepare and present Balance Sheet reconciliations for GB&I entities; liaise with external auditors.
• Assist with annual statutory accounts across three entities and tax reporting for CT and capital allowances.
• Contribute to internal audits (J-SOX) and drive continuous process improvement.

Skills

Excel

Analytical mindset

Education

ACCA/ACA/CA/CIMA

Tools

SAP

Job description

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world's leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

About your role

The purpose of the GB&I Financial Accountant is to support the GB&I month end close process efficiently and smoothly, ensuring both the statutory and management accounts reconcile and are complete and accurate. They will also play a leading role in the annual audit process across interim and group audit as well as local statutory audits.

The role also has local treasury responsibilities including managing the weekly cashflow forecast as well as the forward‑looking Free Cash Flow forecast for GB&I. This role will support to identify opportunities to help drive improvements in working capital.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for ensuring timely month end close for areas including intercompany reconciliations, lease/CAPEX accounting, royalties and treasury
• Responsible for all elements of the GB&I direct cashflow forecasting process including running weekly meetings with stakeholders to review
• Support the forecasting of the consolidated SBF GB&I Balance sheet and Free Cash Flow (indirect) forecast. Working across the business to drive improvements in Working Capital (e.g. working with Supply Chain to understand changes in inventory)
• Supporting the month end process to meet SBFE deadlines including running the FICO reconciliation as required, preparing SAP BPC data loads and reconciliation
• Support monthly Free Cash Flow reporting to SBFE and analysis, including a detailed analysis of working capital movements
• Responsible for ensuring a clear reconciliation between the Direct and Indirect cashflow forecasts
• Prepare and present Balance sheet reconciliations for areas of responsibility for all three GB&I entities, ensuring accuracy and integrity of the Balance Sheet
• Supporting preparation of annual statutory accounts across three entities as well as liaising with external auditors
• Support tax reporting for CT and capital allowance computations
• Ad‑hoc reporting, analysis and projects (e.g. UK DRS, S/4 HANA)
• High level of understanding of internal processes and their interactions to enable this role to 'step up' at times when Deputy Financial Controller is not available as part of this role's development
• Keep the wider business updated with relevant changes to annual return reporting, working in collaboration with and influence into the relevant functions to ensure the business meet its reporting requirements (e.g. new IFRS 18 reporting requirements and regulatory updates)
• Be recognised as the Subject Matter Expert for external updates and changes in accounting standards. Lead the implementation of any relevant new standards through understanding the full requirements and breaking down the specific components and identifying necessary data sources, as well as individuals within the organisation to enable its smooth implementation. As a Subject Matter Expert this role will play a key role in ensuring the business meets the requirements of new standards (e.g. IFRS 18)
• Completion of the consolidated quarterly reporting for SBFGB&I to SBF as well as liaising with the external auditors regarding the submission
• Producing annual statutory accounts with the Deputy Financial Controller as well as liaising with external auditors
• Support with internal audit (J-SOX) in GB
• Continuous improvement of business processes & ways of working

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn't just about taking on a role, it's about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you'll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA/CA, CIMA)
• FMCG experience would be a distinct advantage
• ERP system transition experience is desirable

Key Competencies and skills

• Strong base of financial accounting knowledge
• Inquisitive, keen to learn and desire for continuous improvement
• Confident and credible in front of wider ranging finance teams
• Ability to challenge and look past the numbers
• High level of resilience under pressure
• An eye for the detail and self‑check work
• Desire for personal development within Financial Control or the wider Finance community
• Strong Excel capability
• Previous use of SAP would be an advantage

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.