At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare consolidated financial statements and support efficient audits in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Leading London property and investment group with a focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75K, professional development, and exposure to high-profile projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a complex, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a transformative team and make a real impact on financial processes and reporting.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with strong experience in Group financial statements and IFRS.
The predicted salary is between 67500 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading London property and investment group is seeking a Senior Group Accountant on a 12-month fixed-term contract to strengthen its Group Finance team during a period of change. This is a broad, hands-on role spanning consolidated IFRS financial statements and management accounts, Board and shareholder reporting, technical accounting, balance sheet control and finance process improvement.
The Company is a major owner, developer and operator of large-scale commercial and mixed-use property. The group has a complex structure and works across central Group Finance, Treasury, Investments and segment accounting teams. Following recent investment in finance technology, the business is focused on embedding stronger processes and controls while improving reporting through standardisation, automation and better use of data.
The Role involves reporting to the Group Financial Controller, supporting accurate, timely and well-controlled group reporting and helping deliver an efficient interim and year-end audit. Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing quarterly consolidated financial statements and management accounts at ultimate group and subgroup level, including disclosure notes and front-half narrative.
- Producing analytical reviews for Audit Committee and Board reporting, identifying key transactions and explaining significant period-on-period movements.
- Preparing quarterly shareholder reporting and supporting responses to investor queries.
- Working with segment finance teams, Treasury and Investments throughout the financial reporting close.
- Drafting technical accounting and policy papers on complex matters under IFRS and UK GAAP.
- Preparing and overseeing key Group balance sheet reconciliations and resolving complex or aged items.
- Accounting for interest accruals, fee amortisation and derivative fair value movements, with reconciliations to debt schedules and third-party valuations.
- Supporting the external auditors and ensuring queries are resolved efficiently for interim and year-end reporting.
- Helping to embed processes and controls around recently implemented finance technology.
- Identifying opportunities to improve reporting, controls and efficiency through standardisation, automation and appropriate use of data and AI-enabled tools.
Your Profile requires ACA or ACCA qualification with at least two years of post-qualification experience. Strong experience preparing Group financial statements, with consolidations experience essential. Sound technical knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP, including the ability to produce clear accounting papers. Demonstrable experience of complex balance sheet reconciliations, financial liabilities and external audit. Strong Excel and data analysis skills, with examples of improving reporting or increasing process efficiency. Comfortable working across multiple teams and seniority levels, while supporting more junior colleagues. Exposure to finance process improvement or systems change would be advantageous; Yardi experience is useful but not essential.
This is a 12-month full-time fixed-term contract based in Canary Wharf. It offers a visible Group Finance remit across external and management reporting, technical accounting, financial control and transformation within a complex, high-profile organisation. The role offers a pro rata salary of up to £75K depending on experience.
Senior Group Accountant in London employer: Cedar Careers
As a leading PE-backed services group based in Leeds, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead transformative finance initiatives, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Group Accountant in London
✨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 Cedar Careers. 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 Senior Group Accountant in London
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 Cedar Careers.
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 Cedar Careers'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 Cedar Careers
✨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 Cedar Careers.
✨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 Cedar Careers 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 Cedar Careers 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.
