Senior Financial Accountant

Michael Page; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/flexible working

33 days holiday inclusive of bank hols

Enhanced pension scheme

Free onsite parking

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a qualified ACCA/ACA/CIMA accountant to lead the Group month-end close and drive improvements across reporting and controls. The role involves reconciliations, statutory accounts, and liaising with auditors and tax advisers.

Hybrid/flexible working is offered, with a strong emphasis on process automation and governance. A large, complex business supports career progression and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACCA, ACA or CIMA accountant.
• Practice background preferred.
• Experience in process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group month-end close process and implement improvements.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and detailed GL/sub-ledger analysis.
• Prepare statutory accounts with notes and disclosures.
• Act as main contact for internal/external auditors.
• Coordinate tax/VAT filing reconciliations with tax advisers.
• Ensure correct classification and compliance for Excise Duty to HMRC.
• Develop automation to improve reporting efficiency, accuracy and controls.
• Support sustainability reporting requirements.

Skills

Month-end close

Financial reporting

Reconciliations

Audit liaison

Process improvement

Education

ACCA/ACA/CIMA qualified

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

This role will contribute to the preparation of all internal and external reporting; providing accurate financial data to assist the business in measuring achievement of its objectives.

Client Details

A large, commercially successful business operating with significant operational complexity and reporting into a wider corporate group.

Description

• Lead the Group month‑end close process, identifying and delivering process improvements, ERP upgrades, and finance module implementations.
• Perform and review balance sheet account reconciliations and detailed analysis across general ledger and sub‑ledger accounts.
• Prepare statutory accounts, including supporting notes and disclosures.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors throughout audit processes.
• Liaise with internal teams and external tax advisers to support corporation tax and VAT filings, including preparation of reconciliations.
• Work closely with key stakeholders to ensure accurate classification, reporting, and compliance of Excise Duty to HMRC.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to develop and implement automation tools to improve reporting efficiency, accuracy, and controls.
• Support Group sustainability reporting requirements in line with wider reporting obligations.

Profile

Qualified ACCA, ACA or CIMA accountant

Technically sound experience preferably from a practice background

Process improvement experience

Job Offer

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid/flexible working
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay and Maternity/Paternity Pay
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced Company pension scheme
• Free onsite parking