At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to deliver accurate financial reporting and analysis.
- Company: DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, study support, hybrid working, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career development and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-performing finance team while shaping sustainable solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in accounting, strong Excel skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you looking to level up your finance career in a global business? At DS Smith, we’re not just about packaging – we’re about smart, sustainable solutions, and that starts with world-class support functions.
We’re now looking for a driven and detail-focused Accountant to join our Business Service Centre in Caerphilly and help us deliver outstanding financial reporting across the European team. This is your chance to be a key part of a high-performing finance team, supporting several UK sites with accurate reporting, analysis, and month-end processes. Working closely with teams across our Shared Service Centre, including P2P and Credit & Collections, you’ll help deliver a smarter, more efficient accounting service aligned with our Group policies. From preparing monthly management accounts to improving processes and supporting site leaders with insightful financial analysis – this is a hands-on, varied role where you’ll make an impact.
Responsibilities
- Ensure all financial transactions are processed accurately, completely and within agreed SLAs, so that company accounts reflect a true and fair financial position.
- Take clear ownership of assigned balance sheet accounts, including timely preparation, review and documentation of reconciliations in line with month‑end deadlines.
- Deliver month‑end close activities to agreed timetables, investigating and resolving variances promptly to ensure accurate reporting.
- Maintain robust records, reconciliations and supporting documentation to provide a clear audit trail and meet statutory, regulatory and internal control requirements.
- Identify, investigate and explain financial irregularities or variances, making appropriate adjustments or escalating issues to senior management where required.
- Ensure all processes and controls are performed in accordance with SOX and internal control frameworks, evidencing compliance at all times.
- Maintain accurate data within financial systems, ensuring consistency between sub‑ledgers and the general ledger.
- Support internal and external audits by providing timely, accurate information and explanations as required.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of financial processes, controls and ways of working to improve efficiency, accuracy and control.
- Participate in training and ongoing professional development to maintain technical knowledge and meet the evolving requirements of the business.
About you
- Experience in management or financial accounting and monthly reporting.
- Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Confident using Excel and PowerPoint to analyse and present data.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Independent, proactive and collaborative approach.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain finance to non-finance stakeholders.
Benefits
- A competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
- Study support and career development pathways.
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays, plus banked hours.
- Hybrid working: 3 days in the office, 2 from home.
- Pension scheme, life assurance, income protection.
- Employee assistance programme and digital GP access.
- Cycle to work scheme and discounts on shopping, travel and more.
Location: Caerphilly – we operate on a hybrid basis, with 3 days in the office and 2 at home. Ready to take the next step in your finance career with a business that’s shaping the future of sustainable packaging? Apply now and make your mark at DS Smith.
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time.
Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Accountant in Caerphilly employer: DS Smith Europe
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Caerphilly, our Business Service Centre provides a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including hybrid working, study support, and a commitment to sustainability. Join us to be part of a high-performing finance team where your contributions will make a meaningful impact on our journey towards smarter, sustainable solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant in Caerphilly
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. At DS Smith, they’re all about sustainability and innovation, so think about how your skills align with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the role of an Accountant. Use specific examples that highlight your attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines – these are key in finance!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining DS Smith and being part of their mission to create sustainable solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant in Caerphilly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accountant role at DS Smith. Highlight your experience in management or financial accounting, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:In finance, attention to detail is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully managed tight deadlines and maintained accuracy in your previous roles. We love candidates who can show us they take pride in their work.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. Explain why you’re interested in the role and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to finance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at DS Smith. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Europe
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss your experience with financial reporting and month-end processes. Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems will give you an edge, so make sure you can talk about how you've used these tools in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
In this role, accuracy is paramount. Prepare examples of how you've ensured precision in financial transactions and reconciliations. Highlight any experiences where your attention to detail helped identify discrepancies or improve processes, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll often need to explain complex financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully communicated financial information to different audiences, showcasing your strong communication skills.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
DS Smith values innovation and efficiency. Be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to process improvements in your previous roles. Think of specific examples where you've identified inefficiencies and implemented changes that enhanced accuracy or streamlined operations.