Lead Accountant

KBR, Inc.; Leatherhead; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR, Inc. in Leatherhead is seeking a Lead Accountant to oversee the integrity of financial reporting and the control environment.

You will lead a small accounting team, manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close, and liaise with external auditors to ensure compliance and audit readiness. You will drive process improvements across accounting controls and reporting, analyze balance sheet accounts, collaborate with tax and operations, and develop a high-performing finance function in a

Qualifications

• Chartered accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Strong Excel skills for analyzing financial data and producing reports.
• Thorough knowledge of US GAAP and UK GAAP.
• Experience managing internal and external audit processes and SOX compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small accounting team to maintain GL integrity and accurate records.
• Oversee month-, quarter-, and year-end closes including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare management financial reports and UK statutory accounts; liaise with external auditors.
• Drive continuous improvement across accounting controls, processes, and reporting practices.
• Collaborate with tax, reporting, and operations teams on strategic finance initiatives.

Skills

Excel

US GAAP & UK GAAP

SOX compliance

Audit coordination

Leadership & people management

Financial analysis

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

General ledger systems

Financial reporting systems

Job description

Join KBR as a Lead Accountant and play a key role in ensuring the integrity of our financial reporting and control environment.

Reporting to the Regional Controller, you will provide leadership to a small accounting team while supporting the delivery of accurate, compliant financial information that enables effective business decision‑making. This position offers the opportunity to influence process improvements, contribute to strategic initiatives, and help shape a high‑performing finance function within a growing and collaborative organisation.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will lead a small team responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and ensuring financial records are accurate, compliant, and fully supportable. Working closely with internal stakeholders, you will oversee month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and the preparation of management financial reports. You will also support the preparation of UK statutory accounts and act as a key contact during external audits.

In addition, you will drive continuous improvement across accounting processes, controls, and reporting practices. The role requires the analysis and reconciliation of complex balance sheet accounts, collaboration with tax, reporting, and operational teams, and participation in strategic projects that enhance financial transparency and support informed business decision‑making.

You will play a key role in developing a high‑performing finance function while providing leadership, guidance, and development opportunities for your team.

What We’re Looking For

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong Excel skills with the ability to analyse financial data and produce meaningful reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of both US GAAP and UK GAAP.
• Strong technical accounting expertise, ideally within project‑based or government contracting environments.
• Understanding of SOX compliance and US audit requirements.
• Experience managing internal and external audit processes.
• Hands‑on experience using general ledger and financial reporting systems.
• Ability to work effectively within a global organisation and collaborate with remote teams.
• Previous experience leading, coaching, and developing finance professionals.

Security Requirements

Applicants must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance for this role, which requires UK nationality and a demonstrable five‑year footprint of living and working within the UK.

Location

Leatherhead - 3 days in the office

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive finance team where you’ll have the chance to influence process improvements, work closely with senior stakeholders, and play a key role in shaping the future of the finance function. In return, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, ongoing professional development opportunities, and the flexibility of a hybrid working environment.