Financial Accountant

ScotRail; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading railway company in the UK is seeking a Financial Accountant to join their team. The role involves preparing financial statements, coordinating audits, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with advanced Excel skills and leadership abilities. This position offers a hybrid working model and an excellent rewards package including pension scheme and rail travel discounts.

Benefits

Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme

Free and reduced rate rail travel

Generous holiday allowance

Enhanced company sick pay

Life Insurance cover

Lifestyle benefit options

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with significant experience preparing financial statements and auditing.
• Technically proficient with a solid understanding of relevant accounting standards.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Prepare statutory accounts and ensure general ledger control.
• Coordinate the year-end process and support audits.
• Lead on IFRS 16 lease accounting and corporation tax analysis.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ICAS, ACCA, or CIMA)

Experience in preparing financial statements

Understanding of IFRS, VAT, payroll

Advanced IT skills in Microsoft Excel

Excellent communication and leadership

Job description

Overview

Role - Financial Accountant

Contract - 12 months FTC

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland. We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035.

Not your average role...

ScotRail have an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and detail-focused Financial Accountant to join our Financial Accounting team within the Finance Directorate. This is a pivotal role that underpins the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of our financial operations. Our Financial Accountant are responsible for a broad range of accounting activities, including the preparation of statutory accounts, posting and reviewing journal entries, and ensuring the general ledger is controlled. The successful candidate will play a key role in coordinating the year-end process, supporting both internal and external audits, and ensuring all reporting deadlines are met. In addition, our Financial Accountant leads on specific technical areas such as IFRS 16 lease accounting and corporation tax analysis, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of financial controls and procedures.

What you bring

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAS, ACCA, or CIMA) with significant experience preparing financial statements and auditing.
• Technically proficient, with a solid understanding of IFRS, VAT, payroll, and other relevant accounting standards and regulations.
• Advanced IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to analyse and present financial data effectively.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities, with a logical, methodical approach and a drive to improve processes and deliver commercially focused outcomes.

Please note - ScotRail offers a hybrid working model which typically offers at least 1 working day at home.

What we offer you

ScotRail offer an excellent rewards package including:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
• Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary.
• Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.

Please note that due to the volume of interest received these vacancies could close prior to the published date.

Selection Process

Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend a competency-based interview. The final stage for successful candidates will be a medical questionnaire. Training initially involves a 2-day on-line Induction training programme.

Equal Opportunities

ScotRail is six times accredited as a Top Employer, has achieved Leaders in Diversity and is a Disability Confident Employer. We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent. Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Job Description

Closing Date

Wednesday 1 October 2025