General Ledger Accountant - Associate

J.P. MORGAN; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global financial services firm in the United Kingdom is seeking an Associate Financial Controller. This role involves managing the month end close process, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting for compensation and benefits. The ideal candidate has relevant finance experience and is a part qualified accountant familiar with US GAAP. Strong Excel skills and the ability to work with a range of stakeholders are essential. This position offers opportunities to improve financial controls and participate in audits.

Qualifications

• Experience with month end close processes.
• Part qualified accountant with knowledge of US GAAP.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month end close, ensuring entries are booked.
• Provide compensation expense analytics to stakeholders.
• Conduct Balance Sheet reconciliation and substantiation.
• Interact with key stakeholders including HR and Corporate teams.
• Participate in Financial Control-related activities.

Skills

Relevant experience in month end close/finance-related areas

Strong Excel skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Strong analytical and financial skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Part qualified accountant with working US GAAP accounting knowledge

Tools

Automated analytics platforms

Job description

As an Associate Financial Controller, you will be responsible for the General Ledger month end close process for a number of entities within the Global HR organization, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the Firm's books and records for compensation and benefits. Among your main tasks will be General Ledger entries, Balance Sheet reconciliation and substantiation, variance analysis and reporting, performing internal controls, as well as participation in internal and external audit.

The Financial Controller function is primarily focused on ensuring and improving the organization’s credibility through accounting, financial controls, systems, and reporting. This position is aligned with the HR Corporate Financial Controllers organization. You will be accountable for the integrity of the General Ledger and financial reporting, internal control environment, and close transaction cycle.

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversight of month end close, ensuring all compensation related entries are booked to the GL
• Compensation expense analytics and reporting to internal stakeholders
• Functional HR & Payroll Balance Sheet analytics and reporting, including Balance Sheet Reconciliation and Substantiation
• Interaction with key stakeholders: HR teams, Corporate functional teams, Financial Planning & Analysis, Legal Entity Controllers, Tax, external vendors/business partners, internal/external audit groups, and others
• Participation in Financial Control related activities – SOX, Risk & Control Self-Assessment
• Detailed understanding and documentation of all activities

Required qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• Relevant experience in month end close/finance-related areas
• Part qualified accountant with working US GAAP accounting knowledge
• Strong Excel skills, experience with no/low-code automated analytics platforms is preferred
• Proven ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats
• Strong analytical and financial skills with a track record of delivering to timescales
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, contributing to shared goals

Preferred qualifications, capabilities, and skills:

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities
• Structured approach with a focus on continuous improvement
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Previous payroll accounting experience desirable

Our professionals in our Corporate Functions cover a diverse range of areas from finance and risk to human resources and marketing. Our corporate teams are an essential part of our company, ensuring that we're setting our businesses, clients, customers and employees up for success.

Global Finance & Business Management works to strategically manage capital, drive growth and efficiencies, maintain financial reporting and proactively manage risk. By providing information, analysis and recommendations to improve results and drive decisions, teams ensure the company can navigate all types of market conditions while protecting our fortress balance sheet.