Lead Accountant

ITV; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a dedicated Lead Accountant to join their dynamic RTR team in Manchester. This role is pivotal in ensuring accurate financial reporting and collaboration across various finance teams. You will champion automation and efficiency while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a focus on personal development and team mentorship, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive in challenging situations and are passionate about driving change, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with significant RTR finance experience.
• Experience in department transformation and change management.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring timely delivery of financial statements.
• Collaborate with external auditors during financial audits.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ICAEW/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)

Experience of Oracle ERP

Problem solving

Agile environment experience

Strong communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant

Significant RTR finance experience

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Workplace: ITV Manchester, Media City - expectation is a minimum of 2 days in the office.

The team…

At ITV, our corporate teams work smart and work fast. We’re one of the most talked-about brands. With a variety of roles across HR, Finance and Legal, you’ll find a position that challenges you, enabling you to have a real impact on your career, on our viewers and our strategic ambitions - and still have a life outside work.

The role…

The RTR team is currently undergoing an exciting period of change and growth, and we are seeking a dedicated Lead Accountant to join the team on a permanent basis. As our Lead Accountant Global Partnerships, you will report directly to the Head of RTR and be responsible for ensuring all relevant financial transactions are accurately reported in the Fusion general ledger for the designated reporting period within your division. As a key point of contact, you will collaborate with divisional finance teams, the Centre of Excellence (CoE), group finance, tax, and treasury to ensure smooth operations. You will also support the team in driving automation, efficiency, and accuracy, while maintaining strong internal controls. A key aspect of the role will be championing a culture of digital transformation and continuous improvement, supporting career development opportunities, and providing constructive feedback to help build a high-performing team.

Some of your key day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Provide strong support for RTR functional pillars, offering a divisional perspective across all activities.
• Support month-end and year-end close activities, reviewing GL balances (P&L and Balance Sheet) and ensuring timely delivery of financial statements.
• Collaborate with external auditors during financial audits, providing vital documentation and explanations.
• Perform complex reconciliations and GL postings, improving processes for efficiency and standardization.
• Investigate unexplained balances and variances, advising on clearing errors and improving accuracy.
• Act as the dedicated divisional interface between RTR, business finance, CoE, and group finance teams, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
• Support divisional FCs with reconciliation requests and explanations.
• Work with business finance/CoE to incorporate new RTR finance activities from business initiatives.
• Train and mentor team members, providing support for change initiatives and UAT testing.
• Contribute to process documentation, ensuring SOPs are understood and followed.
• Deliver performance service levels aligned with critical metrics and SLAs, and work closely with RTR managers and CI to implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support automation and finance transformation to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Handle priorities and time optimally, and take ownership for personal development.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as required, aligning with ITV behaviours.

Skills you’ll need (minimum criteria)...

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with a large number of years experience, or highly qualified QBE with significant RTR finance experience
• Experience of working through department transformation and times of significant change
• Experience of Oracle ERP is desirable

Other things we’re looking for (key criteria)...

• Experienced in problem solving with innovative solutions - thinking creatively
• Experience working in an Agile environment
• Highly organised, diligent, and meticulous in all aspects of work.
  Able to thrive under pressure and meet tight timeframes with a strong sense of resilience.
• Comfortable navigating uncertainty and adapting to change in a dynamic environment.
• Skilled in influencing at various levels, handling challenges and difficult conversations with confidence.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently without the need for micromanagement.
• Passionate about problem-solving and finding innovative solutions to complex issues.
• Driven by a desire to improve performance, services, and outcomes across the team.
• Proven track record reviewing processes and implement effective changes that drive efficiency.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to convey changes clearly and effectively.
• Enjoys collaborating with business teams and acting as a divisional management accounting specialist.
• Enthusiastic about transformation and change, particularly in process automation and systems solutions.
• A collaborative teammate who fosters a positive, supportive environment and resists blame culture.

Please note, on occasion we may receive a very large volume of applications which means applications for a role may close earlier than the referenced closing date. We’d encourage you to apply as soon as possible if interested.