Payroll Accountant

People Group Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent finance firm in London seeks an experienced accountant for a 6-month contract. This role involves supporting the Finance Manager with month-end financial processes and requires a strong understanding of payroll accounting. Candidates should hold a professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA) and possess strong analytical skills. The position is onsite, offering exposure to multi-country operations and financial compliance responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification is essential.
• Experience in a multi-site or matrix organization is essential.
• Experience in the construction or related industry is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Manager in managing the month-end financial close process.
• Review and reconcile payroll balance sheet accounts.
• Work closely with Payroll team for accurate information.
• Assist with audits for compliance.
• Drive process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Intermediate Excel user

Strong understanding of balance sheet reconciliations

Good knowledge of accounting principles

Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively

Education

Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA)

Tools

Oracle Fusion

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced qualified or part-qualified accountant to join the finance team on a 6-month initial contract. This role will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, playing a key role in supporting the Finance Manager to maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with reporting standards. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of accounting principles and reporting requirements. It will involve responsibilities across both payroll and intercompany accounting, so a strong working knowledge of payroll accounting is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Manager in managing the month-end financial close process.
• Review and reconcile payroll balance sheet accounts, ensuring proper documentation and support for all balances, highlighting areas of risk or opportunity.
• Work closely with the Payroll team to ensure timely and accurate information to determine correct accounting treatment.
• Assist with internal and external audits to ensure compliance.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to promote efficiency and best practice.
• Prepare management information and financial reports as required.
• Carry out ad hoc finance and administrative tasks as needed.

Key Job Dimensions

• Geographical scope: Multi-country
• Budget responsibility: No
• Direct/indirect reports: None
• Proportion of role responsibilities executed personally: More than 50%
• Established procedures: No

Technical Competencies

Essential:

• Intermediate Excel user
• Strong understanding of balance sheet reconciliations
• Good knowledge of accounting principles
• Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively

Desirable:

• Experience using Oracle Fusion

Industry Competencies

Essential:

• Experience working in a multi-site or matrix organisation

Desirable:

• Experience within the construction or related industry

Professional Competencies

Essential:

• Builds strong, trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills
• Adapts well to changing priorities and business needs
• Takes ownership to identify and resolve challenges
• Uses data and analysis to support effective decision-making

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, or ACA)

Desirable:

• Bachelor's degree