Head Office Accountant - 12 month fixed term

Smurfit Westrock; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Training and development

24/7 confidential support

Flexible working

Family-friendly policies

Guaranteed interview

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a detail-oriented finance professional to join the Central Finance Team on a 12-month fixed-term contract in our Liverpool office. The role focuses on central controls, monthly reporting, and SOX compliance, with exposure to SAP asset processes and Auditboard controls.

You will build relationships with plant finance teams, drive process improvements, and support year-end audit activities while balancing operational needs and robust governance.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify and promote changes for efficiency in control environments.
• Balance operational needs with strong control requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across teams.
• Proactive approach to adapting to changes in processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage centralised key controls and balance sheet accounts.
• Post cross business area postings for accurate monthly reporting.
• Prepare month-end SOX controls in Auditboard.
• Ensure compliance with SOX requirements.
• Lead process improvements for efficiency and controls.
• Collaborate with plant finance teams to resolve ad hoc queries.
• Support UK Fixed Asset processes including capex forecasting and SAP asset transfers.
• Assist with external audit queries and restructuring accounting.
• Cover central processes (SSU and WDR) as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Change management

Communication

Deadline driven

Proactive in change

Financial controls

Education

Accounting qualification in progress (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

SAP

Auditboard

Job description

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!

Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.

About Us

We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Central Finance Team on 12 month fixed term contract and will report to the UK Finance Manager - Assets & Liabilities. The role will be based in our SW Liverpool office.

• Ongoing management of centralised key controls and corresponding central Balance Sheet accounts.
• Make cross business area postings to ensure plants can report accurately to the required month end schedules on time.
• Prepare the month end SOX controls in a timely manner on Auditboard.
• Ensure full compliance to SOX requirements.
• Instigate change for continuously improving process and controls efficiency.
• Build effective working relationships with plant finance teams to help drive improvements and resolve ad hoc queries.
• Involvement in the UK Fixed Asset processes, including:
• Capex pipeline approval and capex forecasting process.
• Support the action of asset transfers and sales in SAP across UK01.
• Aged AUC reviews. Ensure all assets are brought into use on a timely basis and that additions timing is managed effectively.
• Support projects to improve and review processes & controls ahead of S4 transition.
• UKCRD Prepayments
• Assist with external audit queries routed through Head Office.
• Assist with the run down, balance management and accounting of restructuring projects.
• Cover for a variety of central processes (SSU and WDR).
• All other ad hoc tasks as required by the business.

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to identify & promote change for improved efficiency within the business control environment.
• Ability to balance operational and control requirements.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written to action and communicate cross business area postings, and process changes.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and ‘get the job done’.
• Proactive behaviour in dealing with change.
• Studying toward an accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Strong understanding of financial cycles and corresponding control functions.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
• Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
• Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.

We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.