Senior Accounting manager

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

Job summary

A global life sciences company is seeking a hands-on Senior Accounting Manager to lead the European Accounting team. This key leadership position involves overseeing accounting processes, ensuring compliance with local and US standards, and driving improvements. The ideal candidate has a strong accounting background, proven collaboration skills, and experience in a SOX compliant environment. The role is hybrid in Manchester, aligning with the company policy of 4 days in office. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Qualified Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Progressive accounting experience.
• Experience with large-scale ERP systems required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting processes for UK & European entities.
• Responsible for month-end closing activities.
• Ensure compliance in SOX and other controls.

Skills

Chartered Accountant or CPA

USGAAP knowledge

UK/IFRS knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Process focus

Project management skills

ERP system experience

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Chartered Accountant or CPA

Tools

Oracle Cloud

OneStream

Job description

Senior Accounting Manager

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.

What You ll Do

• 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 & 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.

What you will Bring

• Qualified Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Progressive accounting experience.
• Strong technical USGAAP 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