Financial Accountant

Howett Thorpe; Holybourne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking a Financial Accountant to join the Hampshire finance team. This hands-on role combines day-to-day accounting with team leadership and process improvement, supporting UK and overseas entities.

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, you will own bookkeeping, perform balance sheet reconciliations, oversee month-end and year-end processes, ensure revenue recognition accuracy and VAT compliance, and drive stronger controls.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising a finance team.
• Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge.
• Experience within manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.
• Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.
• AAT qualification or qualified by experience.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting activities across the UK business and selected Group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance and support on day-to-day finance queries.
• Conduct detailed reviews and health checks of general ledgers across UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies, unexplained balances and unusual journal entries.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are accurately reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review intercompany transactions and multi-currency accounting entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and appropriate accounting treatment during year-end reporting.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist with VAT reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to improve consistency and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, processes and procedures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide support for external audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Double-entry bookkeeping

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

Attention to detail

Intercompany accounting

Education

AAT qualification or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our client is a long-established and highly successful international business with a reputation for quality, innovation and exceptional customer service. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join their Hampshire-based finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys combining day-to-day finance responsibilities with team leadership and process improvement.

Job Title: Financial Accountant

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Alton

Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 p.a.

Reference no: 16171

Financial Accountant About The Role

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, the Financial Accountant will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, providing leadership and support to the accounts team whilst ensuring the accuracy, integrity and timely processing of financial information across the business. The role offers a blend of operational accounting, team management and financial control, supporting both UK and overseas entities. Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting activities across the UK business and selected Group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance and support on day-to-day finance queries.
• Conduct detailed reviews and health checks of general ledgers across UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies, unexplained balances and unusual journal entries.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are accurately reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review and validate intercompany transactions and multi-currency accounting entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and appropriate accounting treatment during year-end reporting.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist with VAT reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to improve consistency and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, processes and procedures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide support for external audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting standards.

The successful Financial Accountant will have:

Previous experience leading or supervising a finance team.

Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge and a solid understanding of accounting principles.

Experience within manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.

Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.

Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.

Experience investigating and resolving complex accounting discrepancies.

Knowledge of accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition and year-end accounting procedures.

A good understanding of VAT accounting and compliance requirements.

Advanced Excel skills and confidence analysing large volumes of financial data.

Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and problem-solving abilities.

AAT qualified or qualified by experience