At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial accounting activities and support a major transformation programme.
- Company: Join a large organisation undergoing exciting changes.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, 28 days annual leave, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Supportive finance team and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey while enhancing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with hands-on experience.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a large organisation at the beginning of a significant period of transformation. A major organisation-wide systems transformation programme is about to get underway, and the finance leadership team is seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to take ownership of business-as-usual financial accounting activities while they focus on the wider programme.
You will be trusted to quickly get under the skin of the organisation, understand existing systems and processes and confidently take the reins across a broad and varied financial accounting remit. There will be support, guidance and a thorough handover. Once you are up to speed, you will be trusted to operate independently, applying sound judgement, taking ownership of your responsibilities and ensuring matters are delivered accurately and on time.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing monthly and annual financial statements
- Supporting the production of statutory accounts
- Preparing clear, audit-ready working papers
- Managing balance sheet and control account reconciliations
- Supporting the year-end audit process
- Supporting fixed asset accounting and related control processes
- Overseeing cash, banking and bank reconciliations
- Supporting compliance across VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, National Insurance, P11Ds, PSA and CIS
- Providing oversight of purchase and sales ledger controls
- Supporting accounting compliance across relevant financial reporting standards
- Identifying opportunities to strengthen controls and improve financial processes
The role offers broad exposure across financial reporting, statutory accounts, taxation compliance, general ledger control, balance sheet management, banking activities and financial systems.
What We're Looking For:
- A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- An experienced, hands-on Financial Accountant
- Able to commit to an initial 16-month fixed-term contract
- Comfortable taking ownership following an appropriate induction and handover
- Self-starting, inquisitive and willing to challenge information rather than simply accept it
- Highly detail-oriented
- Confident managing competing priorities and deadlines
- Experienced in working across a variety of finance systems and processes
- Able to produce accurate, well-supported financial information
This role would suit a seasoned Financial Accountant who has developed strong practical experience within industry and is comfortable managing a broad financial accounting remit with minimal supervision once fully embedded within the organisation.
Why Consider It?
- A broad and genuinely responsible Financial Accountant position
- The opportunity to join an organisation during a major transformation programme
- A supportive and highly experienced finance team
- Hybrid working, with two office days and three days remote-working
- Flexible start and finish times
- 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- The possibility of an extension as the transformation programme progresses
If you enjoy being the person who brings control, clarity and confidence to a finance function, this could be an excellent next opportunity.
Apply now for a confidential conversation. Further details regarding the organisation and location will be shared with suitable applicants.
Financial Accountant - 16 month FTC employer: Cherry Professional
Join a well-established and growing business in Leicester, where you will be part of a supportive team that values your contributions. With a focus on employee development, this role offers the chance to broaden your finance skills while enjoying a competitive salary and generous benefits, including 28 days of holiday and a pension scheme. Experience a collaborative work culture that encourages independence and rewards hard work in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant - 16 month FTC
✨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 Cherry Professional.
✨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 Cherry Professional 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 Accountant - 16 month FTC
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 Cherry Professional 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 Cherry Professional. 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 Cherry Professional confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cherry Professional
✨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 Cherry Professional.
✨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 Cherry Professional 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.
