Lead Financial Accountant

Robertson Bell; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Lead Financial Accountant to take ownership of capital accounting for a significant asset base. The successful candidate will manage capital transactions, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and improve financial processes. This high-impact role offers a hybrid work model based in Hampshire, ideal for those looking to grow their expertise in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong technical experience in financial accounting with a focus on capital accounting.
• Experience in asset-heavy sectors such as property or social housing preferred.
• Proven track record in improving financial processes and reporting accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end capital accounting including depreciation and asset reclassifications.
• Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure compliance with internal policies.
• Act as a subject matter expert on capital accounting queries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Are you an experienced Financial Accountant looking to step into a role with real technical ownership and depth? Do you thrive in environments where accuracy, control, and robust accounting treatment are essential? If you are driven, detail‑oriented, and ready to develop your expertise further, this Lead Financial Accountant role offers the perfect next step.

This industry‑leading organisation is seeking a technically strong accountant to lead on all areas of capital accounting, ensuring the accurate financial treatment of a substantial multi‑billion‑pound asset base. Reporting to an experienced and supportive line manager, you will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the fixed asset register, implementing correct component accounting, and ensuring compliance with statutory and accounting standards.

Key responsibilities of the Lead Financial Accountant include:

• Managing end‑to‑end capital accounting, including additions, disposals, component replacements, depreciation, impairment reviews, and asset reclassifications.
• Owning and maintaining the fixed asset register, ensuring all records reconcile accurately with the general ledger.
• Embedding and overseeing component accounting principles, ensuring correct recognition, valuation, and lifecycle treatment of asset components.
• Ensuring all capital transactions comply with internal policies, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
• Acting as the subject matter expert for all capital and fixed asset queries, providing authoritative guidance to finance colleagues and operational teams.
• Supporting statutory reporting, preparing detailed audit schedules, and liaising directly with external auditors.
• Enhancing accounting processes, workflows, and controls to strengthen the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of capital reporting.
• Providing insight and financial analysis for capital projects, including expenditure reviews, capital forecasting, and long‑term asset planning.

This is a high‑impact role within a collaborative and forward‑thinking finance team. You will have the opportunity to shape capital accounting processes, contribute to systems improvements, and support major organisational projects. Based in Hampshire, the role offers a hybrid model with up to three days per week from home.

The successful candidate will have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Strong technical experience across financial accounting, with a particular emphasis on capital accounting, fixed asset registers, and component accounting.
• Ideally, experience in asset‑heavy sectors such as property, real‑estate, or social housing—but strong technical accountants from other sectors will also be considered.
• Experience in improving financial processes, controls, and reporting accuracy.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and confidence in interpreting standards and applying sound accounting judgement.
• A proactive, improvement‑focused mindset and strong communication skills.

This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of a complex capital accounting portfolio while continuing to grow within a supportive and technically strong finance environment. Applications are being reviewed on an ongoing basis - early application is encouraged.