Senior Group Accountant (FTC)

Department: Accounts

Company: Canary Wharf Limited

Reporting to: Associate Director - Group Finance

Job Summary

This is a broad, high-impact Senior Group Accountant role in Group Finance, offered on a 12-month full-time fixed-term contract basis to support the Group Finance function during a period of change. The role spans consolidated IFRS financial statements and management accounts, analytical review for the Audit Committee and Board, and reporting to shareholders and bond investors, underpinned by strong technical accounting and balance sheet control. Working closely with segment teams and central functions such as Treasury, the role helps ensure accurate, timely and well-controlled reporting, supports an efficient external audit, and contributes to finance transformation by helping to build and embed processes and controls around recently implemented technology. The role has a strong focus on driving efficiency through standardisation, automation, and the effective use of data and emerging technologies. It suits a technically strong ACA/ACCA-qualified accountant, confident with data and technology, who is able to make an immediate impact in a dynamic Group Finance environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare consolidated financial statements and consolidated management accounts at the ultimate Canary Wharf group level and sub group levels on a quarterly basis, including the preparation of disclosure notes, front half narrative and numerical disclosures, with a focus on standardisation and automation.
• Prepare analytical reviews for Audit Committee and Board reports, identifying key transactions and changes from previous periods together with bridges to explain significant movements.
• Prepare quarterly shareholder reporting and support responses to queries.
• Contribute to system and process improvement initiatives, including helping to build and embed processes and controls that support recently implemented technology, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial control and efficiency through automation and the adoption of digital and AI-enabled solutions.
• Liaise with segment accounting teams and wider stakeholders, including the Treasury and Investments teams, as part of the financial reporting close process to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Draft technical accounting and accounting policy papers on complex issues, proactively identifying areas requiring technical assessment and applying a strong understanding of IFRS to develop clear, well-reasoned and robust conclusions.
• Prepare and oversee key Group balance sheet reconciliations and support the overall Group balance sheet reconciliation framework.
• Reconcile and post interest accruals, fee amortisation, fair value movements on derivatives and other adjustments for the Group’s financial liabilities, including reconciliations to the Group’s financial liabilities schedule and third-party derivative valuation reports.
• Liaise with the Group’s external auditors, supporting an efficient audit process for the year end and interim financial statements through effective resolution of audit queries.
• 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.
• Support 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 who is prepared to challenge the norm and embrace the use of data, automation and emerging AI tools to drive improvement. Must be ACCA or ACA qualified with a minimum 2+ years post qualified experience 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. 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. Experience of working with a range of teams and levels of staff in a collaborative way. Able to build and maintain relationships across the organisation with a strong sense of team work, including supporting and mentoring more junior members of the team. Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels. Must have good attention to detail and agility to work across a range of areas. Must be able to take ownership of tasks, bear responsibility for work produced. Must be computer literate with the ability to adapt to new software products. Strong Excel skills are required. Experience of Yardi would be advantageous.

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.