Group Financial Accountant

Burman Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Group Financial Accountant to lead a small team and ensure high-quality financial reporting. The role involves managing consolidation processes, overseeing statutory reporting, and advising on technical accounting treatments. Ideal candidates are fully qualified accountants with significant experience and strong leadership abilities. The position offers a salary of £45k - £50k and the chance for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits package

Flexible working options

Opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Experience managing people and leading teams.
• Strong track record in statutory accounts preparation.
• Ability to simplify complex financial processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial accounting and year-end processes.
• Prepare consolidated group financial statements.
• Manage relationships with external auditors.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial reporting

Attention to detail

Technical accounting knowledge

Team management

Process improvement

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel (intermediate to advanced)

Financial ERP systems

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The Group Financial Accountant will lead a small team of three accountants to deliver high-quality financial reporting, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and strengthen financial control across the group.

This role is central to managing the group consolidation process, overseeing statutory reporting and audits, and providing technical expertise on accounting treatments. It requires a proactive leader who can ensure efficient processes, foster collaboration across subsidiaries, and drive continuous improvement.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting

• Lead all financial accounting and year-end processes to deliver timely and accurate external reporting in line with UK Accounting Standards (FRS102/IFRS).

• Act as the organisation's technical accounting expert, advising on appropriate treatments for new activities, contracts, and subsidiaries.

• Stay up to date with changes in accounting standards, assess their impact on the group, and implement necessary updates to policy and practice.

• Oversee and maintain the Chart of Accounts, working closely with financial planning colleagues to ensure consistent, controlled, and insightful reporting.

External Reporting

• Lead preparation of consolidated group financial statements and the annual report, coordinating contributions across entities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subsidiary accounting teams to ensure consistency and accuracy of reporting.

• Manage and coordinate submissions to regulators and statutory bodies (e.g., Companies House, tax authorities, sector-specific regulators).

• Oversee the preparation of corporation tax returns for group entities, liaising with external tax advisers as required.

• Lead the day-to-day relationship with external auditors, ensuring smooth interim and year-end audit processes and resolving issues promptly.

Internal Reporting and Control

• Lead the organisation's balance sheet review process, ensuring robust reconciliations and support for all balances.

• Manage the month-end close process within Financial Control, aligned with Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to deliver accurate, timely reporting.

• Deliver variance analysis and forecasting for central costs and accounting adjustments.

• Support long-term planning by providing technical financial accounting insights and forecasts of accounting adjustments.

• Contribute to shared team responsibilities such as supplier bank detail approvals and support the Financial Controller on ad hoc projects.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage a team of three accountants, covering areas such as fixed asset accounting, donations, and subsidiary reporting.

• Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and conduct annual performance and development reviews to support career growth.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by streamlining processes, adopting new technologies, and encouraging innovation.

• Build collaboration within finance and across subsidiaries to drive alignment and efficiency.

Key Relationships

• Colleagues across the Financial Control team and wider Finance Office.

• Subsidiary finance contacts and senior stakeholders across the group.

• External auditors and external advisors (e.g., for tax compliance).

• Financial Planning & Analysis and other finance teams.

Person Specification

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent).

• Substantial experience in a large, complex financial environment.

• Strong track record in statutory accounts preparation in line with FRS102/IFRS.

• Demonstrated ability to lead decisions on accounting treatments and processes.

• Proven experience of managing people and leading teams.

• Ability to simplify complex financial processes and drive organisational change.

• Strong communication skills, able to explain technical issues clearly to non-finance colleagues.

• Excellent attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and ability to work confidentially.

• Experience working under pressure, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.

• Proficiency in financial systems and intermediate to advanced Excel skills.

• Commitment to professional development and continuing education.

Desirable

• Experience working in the higher education, not-for-profit, or public sector.

• Previous experience managing or overseeing subsidiary accounts in group structures.

• Exposure to governance processes involving non-executive members or boards.

• Familiarity with financial ERP systems such as Agresso/Unit4.

General Expectations

• Uphold the organisation's values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

• Adhere to health, safety, and environmental policies and regulations.

• Maintain compliance with financial regulations, internal policies, and statutory requirements.

• Undertake mandatory training and continuous professional development.

What We Offer

• Salary £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, with progression opportunities.

• Permanent, full-time position with flexible working options.

• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including family-friendly policies and wellbeing support.

• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

• A collaborative environment that values diversity, innovation, and continuous improvement.