Financial Accountant

Laura James; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

A growing e-commerce business is seeking a UK-based Financial Accountant. This part-time role, around 20 hours per week, involves owning monthly balance sheet reconciliations and managing financial reporting for both UK and international entities. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in finance within an SME e-commerce environment, alongside a relevant accounting qualification. The position is hybrid, requiring work in the Pangbourne office three days a week.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a finance role, preferably within an SME e-commerce environment.
• High level of accuracy in financial reporting.
• Experience in managing finance teams or working closely with senior management.

Responsibilities

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual balance sheet reconciliations.
• Reconcile cash and payment processors including chargebacks.
• Prepare/prepay and accrual reconciliations.

Skills

Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards

Ability to analyse financial data

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to Detail

Education

ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent accounting qualification

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Job Title: Financial Accountant

Location: Hybrid (Pangbourne Office 3 days per week)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 (£24-26k Pro-Rata)

Job Type: Part-time (around 20 hours)

About the Company:

Laura James is a growing e-commerce business. We sell Indoor & Outdoor Furniture plus Home Accessories. We're seeking a UK-based Financial Accountant with e-commerce experience to own monthly balance sheet reconciliations across our channels and entities. This is a part time role, around 20 hours per week, working on a hybrid basis. You'll report to the Head of Finance and partner other departments and external auditors to ensure accuracy, completeness and timelines of our financials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual balance sheet reconciliations across UK and any international entities; maintain robust documentation and sign‑offs.
• Reconcile cash and payment processors (Shopify, Amazon, PayPal, Stripe, Adyen, Klarna), including chargebacks, fees, FX, and timing differences to settlement reports and bank.
• Inventory and COGS: reconcile inventory subledger to GL; landed costs, in‑transit, 3PL stock, shrinkage, returns/write‑offs, and return‑to‑stock flows.
• Deferred revenue and gift cards: track issuance, redemptions, and breakage; ensure revenue recognition policies are applied correctly.
• Sales tax compliance: reconcile UK VAT (MTD), EU VAT/IOSS, marketplace facilitator schemes; ensure control accounts clear to nil post‑filing.
• Maintain GL, AP, AR, and intercompany reconciliations; investigate and clear aged items within SLAs.
• Prepare/prepay and accrual reconciliations (marketing, logistics/3PL); maintain schedules.
• Fixed assets: maintain register and depreciation; reconcile additions, disposals, and WIP.
• Validate marketplace settlements and fee schedules; perform margin/variance analysis by channel and SKU.
• Support a disciplined month‑end close (journals, flux analyses, TB reviews) to agreed timelines.
• Partner with Data/IT to improve order, payment, and inventory data integrity between platforms (e‑commerce, ERP, WMS, BI).
• Provide audit support and internal controls evidence; contribute to risk mitigation and control improvements.

Key Requirements:

• Qualifications: ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent accounting qualification.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a finance role, preferably within an SME e-commerce environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, tax regulations, and financial software (NetSuite experience preferred).
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in financial reporting.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly.
• Leadership: Experience in managing finance teams or working closely with senior management.

How to Apply:

• Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to [e-mail].