At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive month-end processes, manage financial reporting, and support audits.
- Company: Join the dynamic finance team at Carl Zeiss Vision UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a diverse work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for coaching and career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with accountancy qualifications and SAP experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is a critical role within the Carl Zeiss Vision UK finance team, which requires a driven, ambitious and enthusiastic Financial Accountant to drive best-in-class practices and policies governing accounting and tax matters. The role is responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the financial ledgers and to support Finance Manager and Financial Controller. This role provides a great opportunity for someone passionate to make an impact in the company and the finance function.
Responsibilities
- Driving the month-end close processes, including, but not limited to, journal review and posting, balance sheet reconciliations, commercial reporting and ledger closes.
- Support the completion and submission of group financial reporting obligations.
- Collate and prepare (liaising with professional advisers where necessary) applicable tax returns and filings ready for the Finance Manager/Finance Controller to review and approve.
- Quarterly UK VAT returns.
- Quarterly Hungarian VAT returns.
- Corporation Tax computations and returns.
- Support annual interim and year-end financial audits.
- Support generation and timely filing of UK statutory accounts.
- Ownership of the Zeiss Optical equipment finance processes (VTS), including but not limited to customer rebate generation, customer and commercial query resolution, new customer onboarding, reporting, quoting and invoice management.
- Identifying and implementing improvements and efficiencies to general ledger and other financial processes and supporting faster uptake (e.g. driving efficiencies in VTS process).
- Drive optimisation of internal and external reporting processes and requirements to create capacity to focus on more value-added activity.
- Supporting the Finance Manager with preparation, monitoring and reporting of working capital and free cashflow position.
- Supporting the Finance Manager with preparation and monitoring of budgets and forecasts.
- Provide proactive coaching, support and direction to other members of the accounting team.
Essential Criteria
- Proven academics: Degree qualified or equivalent Chartered or Certified Accountancy Qualification: CA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
- Hands‑on experience using SAP.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge and understanding of FRS 101 and IFRS.
- Sound understanding of best-in-class financial control environment requirements.
- Demonstrated experience of full end-to-end month-end ownership.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including stakeholder management and engagement.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Resilient, self-aware and open to change.
- Challenging and continuous-improvement mindset.
- Experience coaching and developing other members of the team.
- Proficient in all MS Office applications.
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of UK VAT rules and filing requirements.
- Experience with data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau or equivalent).
- Understanding of credit control function operations.
Diversity Statement
Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.
Financial Accountant in Birmingham employer: Carl Zeiss Vision UK Ltd.
At Carl Zeiss Vision UK, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As a Financial Accountant, you will not only contribute to the integrity of our financial practices but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a supportive team culture that encourages continuous improvement. Located in a vibrant area, our company offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Financial Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of FRS 101 and IFRS. We recommend practising common interview questions related to month-end processes and financial reporting. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher, but someone who can drive improvements in their financial practices!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Communication and stakeholder management are key in finance roles. We suggest preparing examples of how you’ve influenced others or led a team, as this will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to make an impact in the finance function. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Accountant role. Highlight your hands-on experience with SAP and any relevant qualifications like CA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA. We want to see how you can drive best-in-class practices!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can make an impact in our finance function. Don’t forget to mention your experience with month-end processes and financial reporting.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your strong verbal and written skills. We love candidates who can engage stakeholders effectively, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carl Zeiss Vision UK Ltd.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial principles. Brush up on key accounting concepts, especially FRS 101 and IFRS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, particularly during month-end processes.
✨Showcase Your SAP Skills
Since hands-on experience with SAP is essential, make sure you can talk about your familiarity with the software. Prepare examples of how you've used SAP to streamline financial processes or improve reporting accuracy in past positions.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. Think about how you can explain your past experiences in a way that highlights your ability to engage with stakeholders and support team members.
✨Embrace Continuous Improvement
The company values a mindset focused on improvement. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've identified inefficiencies in financial processes and implemented changes. This shows your proactive approach and willingness to contribute to the team's success.
