Chief Accountant

Chief Accountant

Derby Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Cooper Parry

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the statutory accounts process and support financial reporting for a rapidly growing firm.
  • Company: Join Cooper Parry, the 11th largest accountancy firm in the UK, known for its innovative approach.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, generous holidays, and a vibrant wellbeing programme.
  • Other info: Embrace a no-dress code policy and opportunities for community volunteering.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values learning, adaptability, and a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

About the role…

Following numerous game-changing acquisitions, Cooper Parry has undergone rapid growth as a business. Turning over £180m, working across 5 super hubs in the UK with over 1,400 employees (and counting!). Meaning we\’ve recently become the 11th largest UK accountancy firm!

This has led to an expansion of our Finance team, who have taken charge of the increased information flow to an increased number of stakeholders and suppliers.

To make sure we keep everything ticking away, we are looking for a Chief Accountant with an enquiring mind.

Reporting to the Reporting Director, the Chief Accountant will be fundamental to the full internal statutory accounts process, technical accounting matters, consolidation support, acquisition accounting, and supporting the Head of Reporting with robust financial information flow to business-wide stakeholders.

Day to day you will:

  • Own the group statutory accounts process, working closely with the external auditors to ensure a smooth & efficient audit takes place, statutory accounts are produced accurately and on a timely basis, and ultimately filed ahead of reporting deadlines
  • Own the group corporation tax process, liaising with the external tax advisors to ensure information is provided on a timely basis, draft computations are reviewed & understood, appropriate tax provisioning journals are prepared for the statutory accounts, accurate tax computations are submitted in line with reporting deadlines, and tax payments are made & forecasted accurately
  • Deliver acquisition related processes: completion account, earn-outs, and deferred & contingent consideration arrangements
  • Support the Reporting team with any technical accounting matters as they arise, reviewing accounting standards and delivering quality documentation for internal and external stakeholders
  • Provide input into the monthly management accounts process: balance sheet reporting, the consolidation, cash flow reporting, and accounting for acquisitions in the management accounts
  • Support the Reporting team with financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations, and process & control documentation to ensure a robust control environment is established & maintained
  • Support the business with any ad-hoc reporting requirements, including FCA reporting for the Wealth business, Investor specific reporting, and Board reporting etc.

About you…

At Cooper Parry, we\’re in it together. All we ask of our people is that they play all in. You\’ll continuously strive to keep learning – whether you\’re a trainee or a Partner – and you\’ll be brave, stepping out of your comfort zone to tackle new challenges. Above all, be nice. A simple notion, but an irreplaceable part of what makes CP, CP.

As a Chief Accountant, you will have superb communication skills able to summarise complex subject matter, emphasising the key implications or actions needed. You\’ll have an enquiring mindset with a desire to problem solve.

As our business grows you will need to be adaptable and keen to identify opportunities for improvements. You will also need to be:

  • A Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
  • Significant post-qualification experience
  • The ability to work independently and keen to muck in to support the team
  • Organised and committed to meeting deadlines
  • Ability to be flexible, allowing room for priorities to change and deal with the changes head-on
  • Take the initiative and implement learning/feedback

About us…

We\’ve been dubbed \’the rebels of accountancy\’. We\’re straight-talking. Never afraid to share our opinions. We put people and relationships before products and services, and deliver a streamlined, client-focused service – free from unnecessary red tape.

Checkout our achievements:

  • Best Companies\’ No.1 Accountancy Firm & No.30 Best Large Company to Work For in the UK
  • Became B Corp Certified in 2023 and we\’re still the UK\’s largest accountancy B Corp, measuring and improving our impact beyond business for a brighter tomorrow
  • Achieved 5 awards at the 2025 Inspiring Workplace Awards; bringing home Best Large Company UK & Ireland and 4 awards close to our hearts in Wellbeing, Inclusion, People Experience and Workplace Culture

What\’s in it for you?

Our people are the beating heart of our culture. We know that if you love working here, and you\’re given the trust and autonomy to work in a way that best suits you, you\’ll produce amazing results.

That\’s why we offer things like:

  • A flexible approach to work – balancing working from home, in office or with clients
  • A generous holiday entitlement
  • An enhanced parental leave policy
  • No dress code – just \”wear something!\”
  • A multi-award-winning wellbeing offering to support your physical, mental, spiritual, and financial health
  • Volunteering opportunities to work closer with local communities and charities
  • Cooper Parry social/sports clubs

Feeling supported and welcomed is such a big part of bringing your whole self to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we\’ll work with you to ensure you have everything you need to develop your skills and achieve your best.

Get in touch if you have any questions about our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion or about accessibility/accommodations during your application process.

A note for recruitment agencies – unsolicited CVs will not be honoured. We will only accept CV submissions for roles briefed to you by our Talent Acquisition team.

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Chief Accountant employer: Cooper Parry

Cooper Parry is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to embrace challenges and continuously learn. With a flexible approach to work, generous holiday entitlements, and a strong focus on wellbeing, the company fosters an environment that prioritises personal growth and community engagement. As the UK's largest accountancy B Corp, Cooper Parry not only values its people but also strives to make a positive impact beyond business, making it a truly rewarding place to build your career.
Cooper Parry

Contact Detail:

Cooper Parry Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Cooper Parry's recent acquisitions and growth trajectory. Understanding their business model and how your role as Chief Accountant fits into their expansion will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and insight during discussions.

Tip Number 2

Brush up on the latest accounting standards and regulations, especially those relevant to statutory accounts and corporation tax. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're proactive and well-prepared for the technical aspects of the role.

Tip Number 3

Network with current or former employees of Cooper Parry, if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and questions during the interview process.

Tip Number 4

Prepare examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Given the dynamic nature of Cooper Parry, demonstrating how you've successfully navigated change in previous roles will resonate well with the hiring team.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Post-qualification experience in accounting
Strong communication skills
Technical accounting knowledge
Experience with statutory accounts and audits
Knowledge of corporation tax processes
Ability to manage acquisition accounting
Financial controls and balance sheet reconciliation skills
Organisational skills and commitment to deadlines
Adaptability to changing priorities
Problem-solving mindset
Initiative and ability to implement feedback
Experience in preparing management accounts
Ability to summarise complex information for stakeholders

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the Chief Accountant role. Emphasise your post-qualification experience and any specific achievements in statutory accounts, tax processes, or financial reporting.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and problem-solving mindset. Mention how your values align with Cooper Parry's culture of being adaptable and continuously learning.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and significant experience. Include examples of how you've successfully managed audits, tax processes, or financial controls in previous roles.

Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Express your excitement about joining Cooper Parry and contributing to their innovative approach in accountancy. Mention any specific aspects of their culture or achievements that resonate with you.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cooper Parry

Understand the Company Culture

Before your interview, take some time to research Cooper Parry's culture and values. They pride themselves on being straight-talking and client-focused, so be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with statutory accounts, tax processes, and consolidation support, providing specific examples of how you've successfully managed these areas in the past.

Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions

Given the emphasis on an enquiring mindset and problem-solving, expect questions that assess your ability to tackle challenges. Think of scenarios where you've identified issues and implemented solutions, and be ready to share these during the interview.

Emphasise Adaptability and Initiative

Cooper Parry is looking for someone who can adapt to changing priorities and take the initiative. Prepare examples that showcase your flexibility in previous roles and how you've proactively improved processes or addressed challenges.

Chief Accountant
Cooper Parry
Location: Derby
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