Financial Accountant

Harvey Nichols; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury retail brand is looking for a qualified Financial Accountant (Costs) to join their Financial Accounting team. The role involves posting and analyzing costs, preparation of statutory accounts, and collaborating with various departments. The ideal candidate will be part-qualified, possess strong Excel skills, and have experience in finance, alongside a passion for luxury retail. This position offers a supportive work environment with a focus on career development and numerous employee benefits.

Benefits

Up to 40% off fashion

Up to 40% off hospitality, foodmarket and hampers

30% off beauty and perfumery, wine and spirits

Clothing allowance

Learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified individual studying towards an accounting qualification.
• Strong PC skills, particularly in Excel.
• Proven experience of working in a finance department.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for posting & analysis of all costs, including accruals and prepayments.
• Ensure all month-end journals are processed accurately and timely.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts and tax computations.

Skills

Qualified or part-qualified accounting

Strong PC skills, particularly Excel

Retail experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Studying towards ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualification

Job description

Financial Accountant (Costs)

Do you love all things finance?

Are you a qualified or part-qualified accountant?

Do you love all things luxury retail?

How we reward your hard work…

At Harvey Nichols, we champion career development and are passionate about our people. We will do all we can to support your journey and career path with us. Alongside this you will have access to a world of amazing benefits such as.

• Up to 40% off fashion
• Up to 40% off hospitality, foodmarket and hampers
• 30% off beauty and perfumery, wine and spirits
• Clothing allowance

You will also have access to charity days, a season ticket / bike loan; learning and development opportunities; to our Employee Assistance Program - Retail Trust and recognition schemes and the opportunity to join one of our employee groups – Wellbeing, Diversity & Inclusion and Sustainability. These are just some of the reasons people join and stay!

About the role…

As Financial Accountant (Costs) you will be responsible for posting & analysis of all stores & Head Office costs, including calculation of accruals and prepayments, therefore this individual will be a key member of the Harvey Nichols Financial Accounting team to deliver month end deliverables. Also responsible for the preparation of the relevant balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis and providing full support & visibility to the business on cost reporting. In addition preparation of annual statutory accounts and tax computations for Harvey Nichols companies. The roles and responsibilities in this Financial Accountant (Costs) include :

• Ensure all month end journals are calculated and processed accurately and on a timely basis. Liaise with purchase ledger, sales ledger, sales accounts, payroll and finance department colleagues.
• Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are completed on a monthly basis, with issues resolved on a timely basis.
• Circulating cost reports to all sites and Head Office, including Directors and Senior Managers. Respond to queries as appropriate.
• Provide commentary to explain all variances against budget and last year.
• Prepare ad-hoc analysis by department as requested by Director / cost controllers.
• Assist in the preparation of the monthly management pack.
• To provide support to the Financial Accounting Manager and provide cover within the team as required.
• Assist in preparation of budgets and forecasts.
• Provide information required for the half year and year-end audits with explanations of movements, trends and large / unusual variances.
• To support the Financial Analyst in preparation of balance sheet related schedules including prepayments and accruals analysis and significant debtors and creditors analysis.
• To work closely with the Financial Accounting Manager and Group Accountant in the preparation of year-end statutory accounts and tax computations.
• To support in the preparation the quarterly UK VAT return and bi-monthly Irish VAT return and reconciliation of the VAT balance sheet accounts.
• To develop and maintain thorough knowledge of the operations of the business and the activities of other departments within the business.
• To plan and organise any other ad-hoc projects and take on any additional month end responsibilities as required by the Financial Accounting Manager.

Is this you?

We are looking for individuals who embrace diversity, love a challenge, are passionate about luxury retail and are looking for something uniquely different. Are you :

• Qualified / Part-qualified and studying towards an accounting qualification (ACCA / ACA / CIMA)
• Strong PC skills, particularly Excel (Intermediate to Advanced desirable)
• Retail experience would be advantageous
• Proven experience of working in finance department.
• Strong interpersonal skills – able to work as part of a team.
• Good communication skills – able to communicate to Directors and Senior Managers confidently.
• Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Good planning and prioritisation skills. Able to work in a methodical manner.
• Good attention to detail.
• Interest in understanding systems and making improvements.

Where do I sign?

If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you!

If you are already thinking of what you will wear on your first day (no we don’t have uniforms) and this role catches your eye, hit the “apply” button below to kick-start your journey with us.