Operational Accountant

Scottish Friendly Assurance; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid model with up to 3 remote days

Private healthcare

Employee pension

Cycle-to-work scheme

Refer-a-friend scheme

Job summary

Scottish Friendly seeks an Operational Accountant to join our Glasgow Finance team. You will help maintain financial integrity, deliver timely month-end reporting, and support robust controls across the business.

The role suits a qualified accountant or someone qualified by experience, offering exposure to premiums, claims, expenses, and system improvements within a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or qualified by experience.
• Experience of managing transactional processes and financial reporting in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand complex financial processes.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork as well as independent working ability.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with multi-priority handling.
• Commercial awareness and strong business acumen.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Support development and maintenance of a strong financial governance framework across the business.
• Ensure accurate processing of financial transactions (premiums, claims, expenses).
• Deliver month-end reporting including journals, balance sheets, analysis, and management reporting.
• Maintain robust financial controls and drive continuous improvement in the finance function.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure integrity of financial information.
• Assist with design and monitoring of finance systems for new areas.
• Represent Finance on projects and change initiatives.
• Support internal controls and risk management processes.
• Maintain accounting records for Scottish Friendly and subsidiaries.
• Act as key contact for external auditors.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Communication

Organisational skills

Excel

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Qualified through experience

Tools

Excel

Job description

Do you want to be part of something more than just a financial services business? Do you believe everyone, regardless of wealth, should have the opportunity to save and look after their loved ones? Do you want to be part of something that has been here for 160 years and help it be here for 160 more?

Scottish Friendly have an exciting opportunity to join our team. Based in Glasgow City Centre, we are one of the most progressive mutual life insurance offices in the UK. We have a strong, clear culture which has grown since 1862 with our customers and colleagues of today and the future being at the heart of that growth.

Location: Glasgow (2 days in office 3 at home)

Salary: £42,000-£51,000 DOE plus excellent benefits

Tenure: 6-12 months Fixed Term Contract

Reports to: Finance Manager

Join Scottish Friendly as an Operational Accountant

We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Operational Accountant to join our Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified accountant, or qualified by experience, to play a key role in maintaining the financial integrity of the business and supporting the continued development of our finance function.

Working closely with colleagues across Finance and the wider business, you will contribute to the delivery of accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls, and efficient financial processes. This role offers excellent exposure across multiple areas of the organisation and the opportunity to be involved in finance-related projects and business initiatives.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Operational Accountant, you will:

• Support the development and maintenance of a strong financial and governance framework across the business.
• Ensure the accurate and efficient processing of financial transactions, including premiums, claims, and expenses.
• Deliver accurate and timely month-end reporting, including journal preparation, balance sheet reconciliations, financial analysis, and management reporting.
• Maintain robust financial controls and support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.
• Partner with finance and operational stakeholders to ensure the integrity of financial information.
• Assist with the design, implementation, and monitoring of finance systems for new business areas.
• Represent Finance on projects and business change initiatives where required.
• Support the monitoring and enhancement of internal controls and risk management processes.
• Maintain accurate accounting records for Scottish Friendly and its subsidiaries.
• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors and support audit activity.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical accounting knowledge with excellent communication and organisational skills.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified through experience.
• Experience of managing transactional processes and financial reporting within a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand complex financial processes and transaction flows.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercial awareness and strong business acumen.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Previous experience in an accounting role within the financial services sector. (insurance would be a bonus!)

With assets under management of over £4.2bn and more than 853,000 members we have lots to look after and lots more to do. If you want to be part of the team and you think this is you, we would love to hear from you.

We support life inside and outside work, offering:

• Recognition awards: Win exciting prizes, including one weeks' annual leave plus £3,000 spending money.
• Refer-a-friend scheme: Earn rewards for bringing talented friends to our team.
• Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 with service) plus 8 bank holidays, and options to buy or sell extra days.
• Supporting the future: 10% employer pension contribution, 4 x group life cover.
• Getting around: Access to cycle-to-work schemes, Electric Vehicle scheme* and travel loans.
• Wellbeing: 24/7 GP access, EAP, Private Healthcare, and free legal/financial advice a variety of savings at top high street and online retailers.
• Hybrid model with up three remote days per week, totaling 35 hours per week Monday to Friday.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all colleagues feel valued, respected and represented. If you require any accommodations during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.