Group Accountant (FTC)

Department: Accounts

Company: Canary Wharf Limited

Reporting to: Associate Director - Group Finance

Job Summary

This is a broad and high-impact Group Accountant role within the Group Finance function, offering exposure to all aspects of Group financial reporting at Canary Wharf Group. The position is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis to support the Group Finance function during a period of change. The role spans the preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS, management reporting, and external reporting to key stakeholders including shareholders and bond investors. Working closely with segment finance teams and central functions, the role plays a key part in ensuring accurate, timely and well-controlled reporting across the Group. In addition to core reporting responsibilities, a central part of the role is to support the Group’s finance transformation — building and embedding the processes and controls that surround newly implemented technology — with a focus on driving efficiency through standardisation, automation, and the effective use of data and emerging technologies. It is ideally suited to a technically strong and commercially aware accountant who is confident working with data and technology, looking to develop their expertise in a dynamic, evolving Group Finance environment.

Main Responsibilities

• The preparation of consolidated financial statements, management accounts and shareholder reporting at the ultimate Canary Wharf group level and sub group levels on a quarterly basis, including preparation of disclosure notes and front half narrative with a focus on standardisation and automation.
• Delivery of the Group’s consolidation process, including preparing, posting and monitoring entries within Yardi.
• Producing clear, high-quality reconciliations and consolidated schedules, while driving improvements in efficiency and process consistency.
• Supporting the preparation of analytical outputs and presentation materials, working closely with senior members of the team to develop clear, insightful and well-structured content for senior management such as the CFO and Group Financial Controller.
• Build effective relationships with segment accounting teams, as well as wider stakeholders including the Treasury and Investments teams, as part of the financial reporting close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Preparing technical accounting and policy papers on complex issues, proactively identifying areas requiring technical assessment and applying a strong understanding of IFRS to analyse, interpret and develop clear, well-reasoned and robust conclusions.
• Liaison with the Group’s external auditors, supporting an efficient audit process through strong project management and efficient resolution of audit queries.
• Active involvement in the Group’s system and process improvement initiatives, including helping to build and embed the new processes and controls that support recently implemented technology, and identifying opportunities to enhance reporting through automation and the adoption of digital and AI-enabled solutions.
• Maintain an awareness of developments in finance technology, including AI, and demonstrate a willingness to explore and adopt new tools and ways of working, contributing to improvements in reporting, controls and efficiency.
• Involvement in other finance projects as required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The candidate should be able to make an immediate impact, bringing energy and passion for what they do. A self-starter that is prepared to challenge the norm and embrace the use of data, automation and emerging AI tools to drive improvement. Must be qualified ACCA or ACA and have relevant experience of Group financial statements. Must be technically strong with a firm understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP accounting standards. Experience and understanding of consolidations is essential. Some exposure to finance process improvement or system change would be an advantage. Strong proficiency in Excel and/or other data interpretation tools is essential. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they have used these tools to analyse large datasets, improve reporting, or drive efficiencies in processes. Experience of preparing key reconciliations and resolving complex issues. Must be collaborative in order to build relationships across the organisation with a strong sense of teamwork. Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels. Attention to detail and agility to work across a range of areas is critical. Must be able to take ownership of tasks, bear responsibility for work produced.

Health Safety And Welfare Responsibilities

All staff are required to fulfil their legal duty to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts and omissions, and to follow all guidance and instructions given in this respect.

Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Responsibilities

Recognising the centrality of ESG principles within our organisation, we have developed a comprehensive ESG Strategy. It is imperative that all staff members understand and adopt this strategy into their respective roles. This includes adhering to environmental regulations, minimising waste, supporting nature within our urban environment, and facilitating positive change for those in need within our community and utilising our volunteering.

Quality Management Responsibilities

In line with the latest ISO 9001 requirements and our dedication to quality management, all staff are mandated to comply with system requirements as detailed within the Company Quality Manual & Policies. Additionally, it's vital to ensure the effective implementation of all Procedures, Plans, and Forms within our Electronic Document Management Systems (EDMS) to meet the ISO 9001: Quality Management Standard.

Company Values

• Commit to Excellence: Act with integrity and deliver high performance. Put our customers at the heart of what we do. Resolve issues by providing high quality solutions.
• Foster Collaboration: Find opportunities to collaborate with others across the business to achieve shared goals. Encourage inclusive networks and treat others with respect and fairness. Use knowledge to work effectively with suppliers/contractors to meet shared goals.
• Encourage Engagement: Confident in making decisions appropriate to the role. Learn from mistakes and listen to constructive feedback to improve performance. Prioritise safety and actively support community, wellbeing and sustainability programmes.
• Take Ownership: Take pride in delivering high quality service which exceeds expectations. Committed to opportunities for self-development. Take responsibility for my own performance and look for ways to improve.
• Embrace Innovation: Embrace change and innovation. Proactively suggest ways to improve our business and encourage others to share ideas. See new challenges as opportunities to deliver effective change.

What We Offer

Diversity and Inclusion: We recognise the importance of embracing diverse experience, skills and perspectives at all levels and operating in an inclusive working environment, in order for everyone to reach their full potential. We also recognise that it makes business sense, since being an inclusive employer leads to better business performance and higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills and are committed to fostering a culture whereby everyone can reach their full potential.

Flexible Working: As an inclusive employer, we recognise the positive impact flexible working can have on an individual, their wellbeing, engagement and productivity. Therefore, we are open to consider flexible working arrangements, both temporary or permanent.

Learning and Development: At Canary Wharf Group, our employees receive a wide range of support to help improve their skills and achieve their career goals. We offer development opportunities through classroom and e-learning training, mentoring, cross department experience and on the job learning. We heavily invest in our staff attaining accreditations to develop existing and new skills, support chartered status, sponsorships and provide further educational opportunities which are job and business related. We never stand still and continually invest in developing skills and knowledge to ensure individual and company growth.

Other Benefits: We are committed to building a safe, happy and healthy community for our employees and we offer a comprehensive range of benefits, all designed with our employees and their wellbeing in mind. From generous pension and insurance plans, to health benefits, subsidised gym membership, store discounts and family leave, our benefits package allows our employees to choose the benefits that suit them and their individual needs.