Senior Accounting Manager

Azenta Life Sciences; Trafford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company is seeking a Senior Accounting Manager to drive the European Accounting team. Responsibilities include overseeing accounting processes, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and UK/IFRS, and leading month-end closings. The ideal candidate is a qualified CPA with strong ERP experience and exceptional interpersonal skills. This hybrid role is based in Manchester, requiring 4 days in-office work.

Qualifications

• Progressive accounting experience is required.
• Experience in a global SOX compliant environment is preferred.
• Strong process focus & improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting processes for UK & European entities.
• Ensure reliable and timely month-end closing.
• Coordinate with external auditors for statutory submissions.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

UK/IFRS knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Analytical skills

Education

Chartered Accountant or CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Oracle Cloud

OneStream

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a hands on, experienced Senior Accounting Manager to join our team reporting to the Global Accounting Director for Sample Management Solutions. This is a key leadership position leading the European Accounting team for the segment. Provide direction to the accounting team for the region and collaborates with Corporate team to ensure compliance with local and US accounting principles and standards, maintain a robust SOX environment and company policies. This role will have oversight of accounting matters of the region and will be responsible for monthly and quarter end activities as well as ensuring group and local compliances.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, has a solid operational and technical accounting background, with a high level of integrity, and is action and goal-oriented in a fast-paced, team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting processes for the UK & European entities of Sample Management Solutions Operating Company.
• Responsible for accounting in the general ledger, provision of financial information, implementing and maintenance of controls for the assigned areas.
• Lead month-end closing activities, ensure reliable and timely closing of books and preparation or review of reports and analysis in support of internal and external reporting requirements.
• Ensure account reconciliations are of high quality and completed on time.
• Perform a detailed balance sheet review for the responsible entities, ensure balances are well explained and supported.
• Coordinate with external auditors and financial and tax advisors to ensure timely submission of statutory financial statements and local requirements for the assigned legal entities within the segment in collaboration with the Corporate Tax and Treasury department.
• Ensure compliance in SOX and other controls in the Finance department and across the business. Collaborate with the Internal audit department and external SOX auditors.
• Liaise with shared service global process owners on matters relating to Accounts Payable, Fixed Assets, Accounts Receivable and other general accounting.
• Answer queries on financial accounting, Treasury management, release payment runs.
• Collaborate with business operations, provide guidance on accounting matters.
• Liaise with the corporate accounting team on technical matters. Provide insight and clarity on matters of accounting complexity. Lease accounting. Internal and external audits.
• Be hands on to drive process and system improvements to enable team productivity, accuracy, enhance timeliness and control environment.
• Provide coaching / guidance to assigned team members leading to high performance and fostering a positive work environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Progressive accounting experience.
• Strong technical US GAAP and UK/IFRS knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of successful collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong process focus & improvement mindset; Six Sigma and/or Lean trained a plus; strong project management skills.
• Experience with large-scale ERP systems required. Knowledge of Oracle Cloud and OneStream is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to multi-task in complex and dynamic environments.
• Experience working at a global company in a SOX compliant environment is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Demonstrate sound work ethic, respect and cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Self-Starter, Effective time management, organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong analytical/problem solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
• A sense of urgency and self-motivation, with a personal commitment to meeting deadlines.

Working Conditions / Schedule

Hybrid - Manchester (aligned to company policy 4 days in office)

Occasional travel may be required.