Accountant in London

A global leader in the manufacturing of entertainment and architectural lighting, rigging, and controls, is seeking an experienced Accountant to join our London Finance team. In this role, you will play a critical part in producing accurate monthly financial statements, delivering high quality management reporting, and ensuring full compliance with government reporting requirements. This position is ideal for a detail driven, highly organized accounting professional who thrives in a fast paced environment. You’ll work independently while collaborating closely with our small in office London team and our larger global team based in the US. Experience working with a manufacturer and using an ERP system such as SAP is beneficial. Prophix experience is also a plus. We are looking for someone who is naturally curious, analytical, and willing to dig beneath the surface. This role goes far beyond “pressing the button” - you must be able to read reports critically, identify anomalies, and investigate issues across multiple parts of the business. Because our processes touch purchasing, sales, and other SAP modules, you’ll need the persistence and confidence to explore data across systems, ask questions, and get to the root cause of discrepancies. The ideal candidate enjoys diving into details, tracing transactions through the system, and uncovering what really happened.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Close & Reporting (Critical Focus Area)

• Finalize the monthly trial balance, reviewing expenses, identifying anomalies, and proposing adjustments.
• Review financial reports for accuracy and adherence to accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Accumulate and analyze information to support financial statements, management reports, and tax filings.
• Reconcile discrepancies and resolve inconsistencies promptly.
• Prepare monthly variance reports and other management reporting as needed.

• Serve as backup for VAT, EC Sales, and Intrastat returns.
• Prepare returns for the Office of National Statistics and other mandatory regulatory submissions.
• Assist in preparing workpapers for internal and external audits.
• Support Finance projects including HMRC changes, new office set ups, software implementations, and compliance initiatives.

• Review and validate source information for completeness, accuracy, and approvals.
• Prepare and maintain departmental procedures and documentation.
• Support the Finance Director with tasks such as:

• Monitoring credit applications and collections
• Cash management
• Financial audit activities

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field - or equivalent business experience.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible accounting experience.
• Completed Accountancy exams to at least PP1/Level 3.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar large business ERP systems.
• Experience working in a multi currency environment.
• Knowledge of UK and EU VAT requirements.
• Experience with integrated standard costing.
• Experience accounting for foreign branches and subsidiaries.
• Demonstrated ability to perform independently, manage priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience using SAP and/or Prophix.
• Background supporting global finance projects or compliance initiatives.