Financial Accountant

MILE; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the financial sector is seeking a dynamic Financial Accountant to enhance financial processes and ensure compliance with global standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in audit and financial reporting, ready to contribute to strategic initiatives and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• 5-7 years experience, preferably from a Big 4 firm.
• Strong audit and financial reporting background.
• Experience with international accounting standards.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for financial reporting and compliance.
• Oversee external audit processes.
• Manage general ledger activities and financial operations.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Audit

Tax Planning

Financial Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA, ACA, ACCA

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Role Overview: The Financial Accountant will be responsible for managing and improving financial processes, ensuring compliance with global accounting standards, and supporting the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements. This role is ideal for a dynamic, detail-oriented professional with Big 4 experience, audit expertise, and a strong understanding of global tax planning and international financial reporting. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the company's financial integrity and contributing to strategic financial initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare, analyse, and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with IFRS, GAAP, or other relevant standards.
• Oversee consolidation of financial statements for global entities, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Audit and Compliance:

• Lead and coordinate external audit processes, acting as the primary point of contact for auditors.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to mitigate financial risks.

Tax Planning and Compliance:

• Support global tax planning initiatives to optimize the company's tax position.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of tax returns and compliance with international tax laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with tax advisors and internal stakeholders to address complex tax issues.

Accounting Operations:

• Manage general ledger activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals/ prepayments.
• Ensure accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Monitor intercompany transactions and ensure proper eliminations during consolidation.

Financial Analysis and Support:

• Provide insights into financial performance by analysing variances and trends.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes in collaboration with FP&A teams.
• Assist in the development of financial models to support strategic decision-making.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Tax, Treasury, and Legal, to support financial objectives.
• Liaise with international subsidiaries to ensure alignment with corporate accounting policies and practices.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy in financial operations.
• Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry best practices.

Shares Scheme and Investment Management:

• Support with preparation and maintenance of share schemes, cap table updates, and investment-related reporting.
• Deliver accurate and timely information on equity structures and any associated changes.
• Provide support for fundraising activities and address due diligence requests effectively.
• Collaborate with the Legal team to ensure adherence to all regulatory and corporate governance requirements related to equity and investments.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Professional Certification: CPA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualification is required.
• Experience:
• Either a total of 5-7 years of professional experience, having been on a Big 4's graduate scheme and subsequently gaining 2-4 years of post-qualification experience (PQE) at Big4 firm, OR a qualified chartered accountant (not necessarily from a Big 4's graduate scheme) with a minimum of 3 years' experience working in a Big 4 firm.
• Strong background in audit and financial reporting.
• Experience with global tax planning, compliance, and reporting.
• Familiarity with international accounting standards (IFRS and/or US GAAP).
• Proven experience in managing the preparation of consolidated financial statements for multinational entities.
• Technical Skills: Experience in Xero and knowledge of Shopify & Stripe would be ideal. Advanced Microsoft Excel skill would be beneficial.
• Soft Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Exposure to international operations and complex financial challenges.