At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver transparent financial reporting and support strategic finance activities.
- Company: Aberdeen plc, a leading investment company focused on making a positive impact.
- Benefits: 40 days annual leave, 16% pension contribution, private healthcare, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with blended working approach and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while contributing to meaningful business impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong communication and Excel skills.
About Aberdeen
Aberdeen plc is one of Europe’s largest investment companies, built on a long-standing culture of caring about the future and making a positive impact. Together we invest for a better future to make a difference to the lives of our clients and customers, our employees, society, and our shareholders. Our business is structured around three distinct areas focused on our clients' changing needs: Aberdeen Investments, Aberdeen Adviser, and interactive investor.
About the Department
Group Finance is responsible for Group reporting, financial planning and analysis, Treasury and Capital. The team delivers high quality reporting, supports external disclosures and drives continuous improvement across finance processes. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across Aberdeen, the department helps provide accurate insight that supports decision-making and enables our clients to be better investors.
About the Role
This opportunity is based in Edinburgh and offered on a fixed term contract ending 31st December 2027 (approx. 12-14 months). As a Financial Reporting Accountant, you will play a key role in the reporting of adjusted operating profit and key performance indicators, while supporting the delivery of the Annual Report & Accounts and Half Year Results announcement. You will contribute to external IFRS reporting, strategic reporting and finance improvement initiatives while developing expertise in systems including HFM and Workiva. This role offers excellent exposure across Group Finance and provides a strong platform to invest in your tomorrow through professional growth and meaningful business impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure accurate reporting of adjusted operating profit and other key performance indicators.
- Support monthly and quarterly reporting, including segmental reporting, associates, joint ventures and significant listed investments.
- Prepare and review strategic reporting content for the Annual Report & Accounts and Half Year Results announcement.
- Support IFRS external reporting and market disclosures.
- Develop expertise in HFM, Workiva and other finance systems to enhance reporting and analysis.
- Identify and implement process improvements and support ad hoc finance projects.
About the Candidate
Essential criteria:
Qualified Accountant. Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex matters to different audiences. Proficiency in financial systems and strong Excel skills. Ability to deliver accurate, high-quality work to tight deadlines.
Desirable criteria:
Background within financial services, regulatory or audit environments. Experience supporting financial and corporate reporting activities.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you have a disability and would like to apply to one of our UK roles under the Disability Confident Scheme, please notify us by completing the relevant section in our candidate questionnaire. One of our team will reach out to support you through your application process.
Our benefits
There's more to working life than coming home with a good salary. We have an environment where you can learn, get involved and be supported. When you join us, your reward will be one of the best around. This includes 40 days’ annual leave, a 16% employer pension contribution, a discretionary performance based bonus (where applicable), private healthcare and a range of flexible benefits – including gym discounts, season ticket loans and access to an employee discount portal.
An inclusive way of working
Whatever way you like to work, if you have the talent and commitment to join our team, we’d like to hear from you. At Aberdeen we’ve adopted a ‘blended working’ approach. This approach combines the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, coaching and connecting in our offices with the flexibility of working from home. It enables colleagues to find a balance that works for their roles, their teams, our clients and our business.
An inclusive culture, where diverse perspectives drive our actions, is at the core of who we are and what we do. If you need assistance with your application, or a reasonable adjustment to your interview arrangements – for example, because you are neurodivergent, or have a physical, sensory, cognitive, mental, visible or invisible disability – please let us know and we’ll be happy to help.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all forms of difference are valued and which is free from any form of unfair or unlawful treatment. We define diversity in its broadest sense – this includes but is not limited to our diversity of educational and professional backgrounds, experience, cognitive and neurodiversity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion or belief and ethnicity and geographical provenance. We support a culture that values meritocracy, fairness and transparency and welcomes enquiries from everyone.
Financial Reporting Accountant (12m FTC) in Edinburgh employer: Aberdeen
Aberdeen plc is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a substantial pension contribution and private healthcare. Our blended working approach fosters collaboration while allowing flexibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Reporting Accountant (12m FTC) in Edinburgh
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Aberdeen.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Aberdeen might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Reporting Accountant (12m FTC) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Aberdeen will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Aberdeen. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Aberdeen confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aberdeen
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Aberdeen.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Aberdeen that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
