At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage audits, and oversee compliance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Butler Rose, a values-driven employer in Milton Keynes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong technical financial reporting experience.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 64000 € per year.
Butler Rose is partnering with one of our clients in Milton Keynes to recruit a Lead Financial Accountant to join their team. This is a permanent role paying a salary between 58,000 – 64,000 per annum dependent on experience. Hybrid working of 3 days in the office and 2 from home.
This is a pivotal role leading statutory reporting, technical accounting, financial control and regulatory compliance across the organisation and Group structure. This role requires a candidate with deep technical financial reporting expertise, including substantial experience preparing and reviewing consolidated Group financial statements within complex multi-entity organisations. Experience within the Higher Education and/or charity sectors, alongside strong knowledge of HE SORP and Charity SORP, is highly desirable.
The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting capability with excellent leadership skills and the ability to operate effectively within a complex regulatory environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Finance Operations, the Lead Financial Accountant will take ownership of statutory and regulatory reporting obligations, while leading the Financial Accounting team and supporting continuous improvement across finance operations.
Key responsibilities
- Leading the preparation and review of statutory accounts and consolidated Group financial statements
- Managing complex consolidations, intercompany reconciliations and audit working papers
- Ensuring compliance with HE SORP, Charity SORP and all relevant accounting and regulatory standards
- Overseeing Foundation and subsidiary reporting within the Group structure
- Coordinating external audits and acting as the primary liaison with auditors
- Managing month-end close activities and balance sheet reconciliations
- Overseeing VAT, partial exemption, corporation tax and regulatory submissions
- Supporting financial control, process improvement and finance systems development
- Leading and developing a Financial Accounting team of five
About You
You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience and a strong track record in technical financial accounting.
What the successful candidate will demonstrate
- Significant experience preparing consolidated Group financial statements and statutory accounts
- Strong technical financial reporting expertise within a complex organisation
- Excellent understanding of consolidations, financial controls and accounting standards
- Knowledge of Higher Education financial reporting and Charity SORP
- Experience coordinating and managing external audits
- Strong VAT and corporation tax compliance knowledge
- Advanced Excel and financial systems capability
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Proven experience leading and developing finance teams
- Experience within Higher Education, not-for-profit organisations or charitable institutions would be highly advantageous, particularly where combined with strong technical accounting depth.
What's on Offer
- Salary of 58,000 – 64,000
- Opportunity to work within a collaborative and values-driven environment
- Exposure to complex technical accounting and Group reporting
- A key leadership role with the opportunity to influence finance operations and process improvement
- Professional development and progression opportunities
Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.
Lead Financial Accountant in Milton Keynes employer: Butler Rose Ltd
Butler Rose offers an exceptional working environment in Milton Keynes, where employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. As a Lead Financial Accountant, you will be part of a collaborative and values-driven team, with ample opportunities for professional development and progression in a pivotal role that influences finance operations within the Higher Education and charity sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Financial Accountant in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in Higher Education or charity organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with consolidated Group financial statements and how you've tackled complex financial reporting challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in HE SORP and Charity SORP during interviews. Bring examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your fit for the Lead Financial Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Financial Accountant in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Financial Accountant role. Highlight your experience with consolidated Group financial statements and any relevant qualifications like ACA or ACCA. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your technical financial reporting expertise and leadership abilities. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs, especially in areas like HE SORP and Charity SORP. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Butler Rose Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your technical financial reporting skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with consolidated Group financial statements and statutory accounts in detail. This is a pivotal role, so demonstrating your expertise will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Financial Accountant, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully managed or developed a finance team. Highlight your leadership style and how you've fostered collaboration and improvement within your previous roles.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with HE SORP and Charity SORP, as well as any relevant accounting standards. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past positions, especially in complex regulatory environments. This knowledge will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly around managing audits and financial controls. Prepare specific scenarios where you've navigated challenges in financial reporting or compliance, showcasing your analytical skills and decision-making process.
