Senior Group Accountant

TN United Kingdom; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated finance professional to support their M&A activities. This role offers the chance to engage in financial due diligence, internal audits, and acquisition accounting within a dynamic and growing environment. You'll collaborate closely with various teams to ensure compliance with accounting standards and contribute to the strategic growth of the business. With a competitive salary and flexible hybrid working options, this position promises a rewarding experience alongside a fantastic mentor, making it an excellent opportunity for career advancement.

Benefits

Flexible Working Environment

Mentorship Opportunities

Competitive Salary

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification and experience in audit.
• Strong financial and statutory accounting experience.
• Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP).

Responsibilities

• Support M&A team with financial due diligence pre-acquisition.
• Prepare acquisition accounting entries and oversee transitional adjustments.
• Act as key finance contact for Sellers in the post-acquisition phase.

Skills

Audit Experience

Financial Accounting

IFRS Knowledge

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

MS Excel

Education

Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA/ACCA/CA)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

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• A fast paced, buy and build Private Equity backed business
• An opportunity to work with a strong Group finance function

About Our Client

My client, a PE-backed Professional Services business, has experienced significant growth in recent years due to their buy and build strategy. They have made multiple acquisitions, and this growth is expected to continue.

Job Description

• Support M&A team with financial due diligence pre-acquisition
• Carry out internal audit procedures and liaise with Sellers to provide sign-off on completion accounts (FRS102) and apportionment statements prepared by Seller. Resolve disputes promptly and sensitively with support from the M&A team as needed.
• Complete IFRS adoption process with acquirees - identify and calculate adjustments, reconcile pre-acquisition reserves, oversee transitional adjustments in financial statements.
• Analyze accounting standards and their application in an acquiree, e.g., IFRS15 revenue on contracts, IFRS16 leases, IFRS9 ECL, Holiday pay.
• Analyze key components of SPA and APA, schedule key events, and monitor timelines and delivery against contractual deadlines.
• Prepare acquisition accounting entries for the Acquirer, including valuation of consideration, recognition of deferred payments, or changes to investment cost and intangibles.
• Monthly, prepare journals for goodwill, investments, deferred consideration, long-term loans, and intangibles on acquirer(s) and group balance sheet.
• Review and support the preparation of budgets by M&A targets
• Support the identification and assessment of synergies in new M&A targets
• Act as key finance contact for Sellers in the post-acquisition phase, covering introductions, financial accounting, and tax compliance.
• Coordinate with external advisors on Purchase price accounting - preparation and review of deliverables, and sign-off on outputs.
• Track progress through M&A workflow to ensure timely completion.
• Support group tax objectives, e.g., balance sheet reconciliations, allocation of group relief, group-wide review and analysis, updating reports.
• Write reports to facilitate knowledge sharing across the wider finance team and M&A
• Develop internal policies for acquisition accounting and other finance procedures.
• Serve as a regular point of contact for Hub FC, FP&A team, group finance, and M&A teams on all M&A matters
• Lead or support other business combinations, e.g., hive-up, liquidations, and other group restructuring projects
• Participate in other financial control projects as defined by group finance management team

The Successful Applicant

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CA) and experience in audit.
• Strong financial and statutory accounting experience, including consolidations and acquisition accounting.
• Up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS and UK GAAP: FRS102)
• Minimum 2 years Post Qualification Experience, ideally in industry within an acquisitive group and PE environment.
• Excellent communication skills for dealing with internal and external stakeholders, confidently handling complex technical issues and sensitive information.
• Highly personable, capable of engaging positively with new people and situations.
• Outstanding attention to detail and ability to absorb high volumes of financial and legal information.
• Experience in Professional Services is advantageous.
• Strong MS Office skills, especially Excel.

What's on Offer

A competitive salary, flexible hybrid working environment, and the opportunity to work with a fantastic mentor.