At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead month-end close and manage a small team through financial processes.
- Company: Established international insurance business with a growing finance team.
- Benefits: Ownership of projects, autonomy, and regular contact with senior leaders.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and development in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and hands-on month-end close experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
The company is an established, international insurance business with a lean, growing finance team. This role offers real ownership, autonomy and regular contact with senior finance leaders.
You’ll own the non-technical month-end close and manage a small team through each month and quarter end. You will:
- Lead month-end close, covering payroll postings, bank reconciliations, prepayments, accruals, fixed assets, leases and balance sheet reconciliations
- Oversee accounts payable and employee expenses, including supplier set-up and approvals
- Calculate and settle intercompany balances and recharges
- Analyse G&A actuals against forecast and prior year for management reporting
- Support budgeting and reforecasting
- Review the team's work, and coach and develop junior accountants
- Work with internal and external auditors and maintain strong financial controls
What you’ll bring:
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent)
- Hands-on, in-house experience of month-end close, AP and expenses
- Experience managing or supervising a small team, including someone based remotely
- The ability to take ownership quickly and manage competing deadlines
- Clear, confident communication with senior stakeholders
- Advanced Excel
Nice to have:
- US GAAP and SOX experience
- Experience with Oracle, Concur or similar systems
- Insurance experience is not required
Accounting Manager – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract in London employer: Avencia
Avencia is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Manchester where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. With competitive salaries, annual bonuses, and clear pathways for career progression, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while managing meaningful employment disputes. The company's commitment to fostering strong client relationships and providing comprehensive advisory services makes it a rewarding place to build a career in employment law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Manager – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract in London
✨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.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
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 Avencia.
✨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.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Avencia 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 Accounting Manager – 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract in London
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 Avencia 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 Avencia. 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 Avencia confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avencia
✨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 Avencia.
✨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 Avencia 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.