Financial Accountant (Fixed Term Contract)

WSP; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policy

Thrive wellbeing programme

Gymflex discounts

Menopause support

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Financial Accountant on a fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave. The role sits within our UK Finance team, contributing to statutory reporting, technical accounting, and month-end close while supporting international branches.

The position offers a hybrid working model with potential for development within a global engineering and professional services firm, employing over 11,000 UK professionals and more than 69,000 globally.

Qualifications

• Part qualified or qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA).
• Good working knowledge of IFRS and UK accounting frameworks.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Liaison with external auditors for multiple entities with timely, high-quality deliverables.
• Prepare annual statutory financial statements for UK companies under IFRS/FRS 101/102 and Companies Act.
• Assist with technical accounting queries and document memorandums.
• Prepare regional reports to stakeholders and investigate variances.
• Identify process improvements to enhance control environment and implement them.
• Carry out month-end duties including balance sheet reconciliations and improvements.
• Support overseas branches with tax and reporting, progress branch closures.

Skills

Qualified accountant

IFRS knowledge

Independent worker

Project management

Proactive mindset

Education

ACCA/ACA

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role...

We have an opportunity for a Financial Accountant to join our team on a fixed term basis to cover a period of Maternity leave.

Our Finance team is an integral part of the business, achieving best-in-class performance and control through a breadth of specialty Finance Functions. With a finance lens, we help develop, track and communicate progress on an agenda that maximizes long-term shareholder value creation.

• Liaison with the external auditors for multiple entities which includes preparation of deliverables by due deadline, to a high-quality standard and responding to audit queries promptly and accurately.
• Independent preparation of annual statutory financial statements for UK companies to comply with relevant accounting framework (IFRS, FRS 101 and FRS 102) and Companies Act using software. Includes preparing the supporting documentation behind the statutory accounts, such as reconciliation from trial balance to statutory figures and the workings behind the supporting notes ready for audit.
• Assist with technical accounting queries raised by the business or by external auditors in an accurate, prompt and commercial fashion. This includes writing accounting memorandums documenting fact pattern and key judgements in reaching conclusion.
• Assisting with preparation of regional reports to stakeholders and investigating variances to budgets and forecasts.
• Identification of areas for improvement in efficiency and for accounting procedures, facilitating continuous improvement of the control environment; take responsibility for implementation.
• To carry out a variety of financial duties associated with the month end preparation and submission of the UK balance sheet, including balance sheet reconciliations. This includes undertaking process improvements to facilitate a more efficient month end process.
• Supporting the team to ensure compliance with overseas branch, tax and reporting requirements for international branches; progressing branch closures and resolution of outstanding in-country legislative matters

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate...

• Part qualified/qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA)
• Good working knowledge of IFRS
• The ability to work independently while also being a team player
• Project management experience
• A proactive mindset and confidence in managing deadlines

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

About Us

We are one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

Work-life balance

At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It's important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community.

Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.

Inclusivity & Belonging

We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.

Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme.

Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you - giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.

Flex your time

To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the "WSP My Hour," allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day.

We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.

Your development

We understand the importance of development and training to you. That's why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.