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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting, compliance, and audits for a growing hospitality group.
- Company: Chestnut, a vibrant collection of pubs and hotels in the East of England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounts, wellbeing support, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative finance team and make a real impact on our growth.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in UK statutory accounting and audits.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Who we are
Chestnut is a collection of pubs with rooms and Big House hotels across the East of England. Alongside our hospitality portfolio, we also operate a number of commercial brands. Our story began in 2012 with The Packhorse Inn, Moulton - and today, we continue to grow. Rooted in the East, we're passionate about creating memorable experiences, championing local communities, and building a brand that celebrates people, produce, and place.
The opportunity
We're looking for a Financial Accountant to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover), playing a key role in supporting the financial integrity and governance of the Group. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you'll take ownership of core areas including statutory reporting, tax compliance, audit and treasury. You'll work closely with the wider finance team and external advisors, ensuring the Group remains well-controlled, compliant, and audit-ready. This is a broad and hands‑on role suited to someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in technical accuracy, and is comfortable managing multiple priorities across a growing, multi-entity business.
What you'll be doing
- Preparing and submitting Group VAT returns, managing compliance and ad hoc VAT matters
- Reviewing statutory accounts and Corporation Tax returns across all group entities
- Acting as the primary contact for the external audit, coordinating deliverables and resolving queries
- Producing the Group year‑end accounts and annual report, including financial analysis and commentary
- Managing company secretarial and governance processes, including statutory filings and shareholder activity
- Overseeing loan notes, fixed asset registers, and treasury‑related workstreams
- Supporting charity accounting, including cashflow and year‑end reporting
- Responding to ad hoc finance queries and supporting the wider business where needed
What we're looking for
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in UK statutory accounting, VAT and Corporation Tax
- Experience working within a group or multi‑entity structure
- Proven experience managing or leading external audits
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable working to multiple deadlines
- A proactive, hands‑on approach with the ability to work independently
Desirable skills
- Experience with share schemes, loan notes or shareholder transactions
- Exposure to charity accounting
- Experience contributing to annual reports or financial commentary
Our benefits
Working at Chestnut means being part of a business that cares about people and places. Alongside a supportive culture and opportunities for growth, we offer a range of great benefits, including:
- Competitive salary
- 50% discount across all Chestnut pubs and hotels for you and your guests
- 25% discount on retail brands
- Access to our team wellbeing programme and mental health support
- Development opportunities, including professional training and career progression
- Company events and team socials celebrating our people and successes
- Hybrid working with flexibility around our Bury St Edmunds office
- 28 days' holiday (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- Pension scheme and company benefits platform
Why Chestnut?
At Chestnut, we believe great businesses are built on strong foundations. You'll join a collaborative and commercially minded finance team, where your work has real impact and visibility across the Group. Ready to join us? If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership of key financial processes and contribute to a growing business - we'd love to hear from you.
Financial Accountant - 12 Months Maternity Cover in Bury St Edmunds employer: Chestnut Group
Contact Detail:
Chestnut Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant - 12 Months Maternity Cover in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Chestnut. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of UK statutory accounting and VAT. We want you to show off your expertise and how it aligns with what Chestnut is looking for in a Financial Accountant.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your hands-on experience! When you get the chance to speak about your previous roles, highlight how you’ve managed audits or tackled complex financial tasks. This will help us see how you fit into the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Chestnut family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant - 12 Months Maternity Cover in Bury St Edmunds
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 qualifications, especially in UK statutory accounting and VAT, to show us you're the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your experience aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your proactive approach and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with external audits and financial reporting. We want to see how you've contributed to similar roles in the past, so be specific about your achievements!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chestnut Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you'll need to be on top of your game with UK statutory accounting, VAT, and Corporation Tax. Brush up on these areas before the interview, and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Audit Experience
Since you'll be acting as the primary contact for external audits, it's crucial to highlight your previous audit management experience. Prepare to share how you've coordinated deliverables and resolved queries in past roles, showcasing your ability to keep things running smoothly.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires someone who is highly organised and detail-oriented. Think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple priorities or tight deadlines. Be ready to explain your strategies for staying on top of tasks and ensuring accuracy in your work.
✨Emphasise Your Proactive Approach
Chestnut is looking for someone with a hands-on attitude. Prepare to discuss instances where you've taken initiative in your previous roles, whether it was improving processes or tackling challenges head-on. This will show that you're not just reactive but also proactive in your approach.