Lead Accountant – Hybrid, Team Leadership & Controls

DS Smith Plc; Caerphilly; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Pension scheme, life assurance and IP

Digital GP Service & EAP

Cycle to work scheme

Retail discounts

Job summary

DS Smith Plc in Caerphilly leads the UK Packaging business through its dedicated Business Services Centre. The Lead Accountant will own month-end reporting, financial controls and management reporting while guiding a small team to deliver high-quality service.

The role balances hands-on financial responsibility with people leadership in a fast-paced shared services environment, and requires strong accounting standards knowledge and stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards.
• Experience delivering month-end close and reporting.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a small team.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP or QAD) and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of month-end reporting and financial controls.
• Lead and develop a small accounting team to ensure high performance.
• Support year-end activities and liaise with auditors.
• Partner with P2P and C&C teams to integrate end-to-end processes.
• Provide financial insight to support business decisions.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Stakeholder management

SOX compliance

Analytical thinking

Education

ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified

Part-qualified with leadership capability

Tools

SAP

QAD

Job description

DS Smith Plc in Caerphilly leads the UK Packaging business through its dedicated Business Services Centre. The Lead Accountant will own month-end reporting, financial controls and management reporting while guiding a small team to deliver high-quality service.

The role balances hands-on financial responsibility with people leadership in a fast-paced shared services environment, and requires strong accounting standards knowledge and stakeholder management.