At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage month-end close, prepare accounts, and improve finance processes.
- Company: Established organisation with a small, dynamic finance team.
- Benefits: Ownership of your work, exposure to senior management, and opportunities for improvement.
- Other info: Office-based role with flexibility; ideal for proactive problem solvers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations and enjoy a varied role.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA-qualified with strong financial accounting experience.
We are recruiting a qualified Financial Accountant for a well-established, privately owned organisation with several trading and investment entities. It is a varied business with a small finance team, so the role offers far more breadth and ownership than you might find in a larger, more structured environment. You will take responsibility for the quality of the underlying accounts, making sure month-end is completed properly, balance sheets are reconciled and the financial information produced by the team is accurate and dependable. There is also plenty to improve. The business is reviewing its finance systems, strengthening its controls and looking at how key processes can be made clearer and more consistent. You will play an important part in that work, alongside managing the regular accounting cycle.
The role
- Managing the month-end close across several legal entities
- Preparing journals, accruals, prepayments and fixed asset entries
- Producing and reviewing monthly management accounts
- Completing detailed balance sheet reconciliations and resolving discrepancies
- Preparing VAT returns and maintaining accurate supporting records
- Supporting the production of statutory accounts and year-end schedules
- Coordinating with external accountants, auditors and professional advisers
- Preparing short-term cash-flow information and monitoring working capital
- Maintaining appropriate controls around banking, payments and user access
- Overseeing payroll information and reconciliations in conjunction with an external provider
- Supporting the transactional finance workload where necessary
- Improving the quality and consistency of finance procedures
- Helping with the selection, implementation and testing of new finance technology
- Reducing reliance on individuals by documenting important processes properly
What we’re looking for
You will be an ACA, ACCA or CIMA-qualified accountant with strong financial accounting experience and a willingness to stay close to the detail. This position should suit somebody who enjoys understanding how the numbers have been put together, rather than simply accepting the final report. You will be comfortable investigating differences, challenging incomplete information and following an issue through until it has been resolved.
- Strong month-end and financial accounting experience
- A good understanding of balance sheet control and reconciliations
- Experience preparing management accounts
- Knowledge of VAT, cash flow, payroll accounting and year-end requirements
- Experience working across several companies, cost centres or business areas
- Confidence using Excel and accounting software
- The ability to organise your own workload and meet competing deadlines
- A practical approach to improving systems and processes
- Strong attention to detail without losing sight of wider commercial priorities
- The confidence to work with both finance and non-finance colleagues
Experience gained within a privately owned, owner-managed or multi-entity organisation would be useful, although the quality of your accounting experience and your approach to the role will be more important than a particular sector background. Previous involvement in a finance-system change or integration project would also be helpful.
The environment
This is a down-to-earth business where people are trusted to take responsibility. The finance team is relatively lean, so you will need to be comfortable switching between detailed accounting work, resolving day-to-day issues and contributing to longer-term improvements. The role is predominantly office-based because it works closely with both the finance team and the wider organisation. There is some flexibility, but it will not suit somebody looking for a mainly remote position.
Why consider it?
The attraction is the level of ownership. You will have responsibility for the accounting cycle, direct exposure to senior decision-makers and the opportunity to improve how the finance function operates. The business has enough complexity to keep the role interesting, but the team is small enough for your contribution to be noticed. It could be a particularly good move for somebody who wants:
- A broader role than a conventional month-end position
- Genuine responsibility across several entities
- Exposure to systems and process improvement
- A close working relationship with senior management
- The opportunity to leave the finance function in a stronger position
If you are a qualified accountant who enjoys hands-on financial control, solving problems and improving the way things are done, please apply or contact Jason Mitchell at Abbeygate Search for a confidential discussion.
Financial Accountant in Borehamwood employer: Abbeygate Search Ltd
Join a dynamic accountancy and advisory firm in Manchester that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model to support work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead diverse finance projects, enhance your technical skills, and build meaningful relationships with clients. Enjoy competitive benefits including private medical cover, enhanced family leave, and a clear pathway for career progression in a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Borehamwood
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Abbeygate Search Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Borehamwood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Abbeygate Search Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Abbeygate Search Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbeygate Search Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Abbeygate Search Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Abbeygate Search Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Abbeygate Search Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
