Financial Accounting Manager

Financial Accounting Manager

Full-Time 80000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Financial Ombudsman Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial accounting, ensure compliance, and enhance processes with automation and analytics.
  • Company: Join the Financial Ombudsman Service, a vital player in UK financial services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive personal development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a values-driven, collaborative environment.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong technical expertise and leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.

Looking for a new challenge? Take a look at our current vacancies. If you see a vacancy that is right for you, we encourage you to apply!

Contract: Permanent

Working hours: 35 hours per week is full time. Where possible, we are open to considering part time/flexible working patterns. Please let us know in your application your desired working pattern.

Salary: circa £80,000 per annum

Location: London Docklands, Hybrid

Reporting to: Financial Controller

Join a team where Purpose drives everything we do, Ambition fuels our growth, Trust builds our foundation, and Respect shapes our culture. We're not just hiring — we're inviting you to build the future with us. If you're curious, driven, and ready to leave your mark, this is your invitation to make your next move. By joining our team, you'll enjoy the best of both worlds - hybrid working and the collaboration of a great office environment. Our permanent hybrid policy sees us all working at least four days across a fortnight in the office. As well as extensive opportunities for personal and career development.

About Us

The Financial Ombudsman Service is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that plays a vital role in UK financial services. Every day we help resolve disputes between consumers, or small businesses, and their financial service providers.

What You’ll Do

  • This role will lead the financial accounting function, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and compliance with accounting standards, tax requirements and statutory obligations.
  • You will oversee the month-end close process, manage cashflow and investments, prepare statutory accounts, and work closely with internal and external auditors to deliver high-quality financial reporting and assurance.
  • As the technical accounting expert, you will provide clear advice across the organisation, lead improvements to financial controls, and act as a key stakeholder for Workday Financials.
  • You will identify opportunities to enhance processes through automation, analytics and AI, while maintaining strong governance and auditability.
  • Leading a small team, you will develop capability, drive continuous improvement and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and curiosity.
  • You will also deputise for the Financial Controller when required and represent Finance in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives across the Service.

Minimum Criteria

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting and financial control.
  • Strong technical accounting expertise, including IFRS and IAS19, with the ability to interpret and implement new accounting standards and disclosure requirements.
  • Proven experience preparing statutory accounts, managing accounting judgements, and working effectively with internal and external auditors.
  • Demonstrable experience leading month-end close processes and overseeing key financial controls, including reconciliations, cashflow, investments, tax compliance and fixed assets.
  • Strong systems and digital capability, including experience with financial systems (ideally Workday Financials), Excel, automation and data-driven process improvement, with a balanced approach to the use of AI and technology.

What you’ll bring

  • Excellent planning and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and deliver improvements.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and implement effective controls.
  • Strong communication skills, able to explain complex financial matters clearly to a range of audiences.
  • Experience leading, coaching and developing a small team, while promoting knowledge sharing and resilience.
  • A continuous improvement mindset, focused on improving processes while maintaining compliance and control.

Why You'll Love Working With Us

We are a values led organisation. Our values define our culture, influence our decisions, and underpin our vision and strategy. They set out how we play our PART through Purpose, Ambition, Respect and Trust.

Wellbeing: [Health plan, gym memberships, mental health support]

Growth: We invest in your future with [courses, mentorship, promotions]

Culture: Diverse. Inclusive. Collaborative. Fun.

We also offer an attractive, competitive salary and flexible benefits to suit our people. Here’s a list of some of the many benefits and perks you can get for working with us:

  • 25 days holiday entitlement, with the option to buy extra or sell days
  • Generous pension
  • Various Family Friendly Policies, including enhanced maternity pay, carers and dependants leave
  • Employer provided benefits such as Private medical insurance, virtual GP, Critical illness cover, Life assurance cover, to name a few
  • Choice of voluntary benefits including Technology scheme, Cycle to work scheme, Will-writing service amongst others
  • Gym membership discounts, and a fully equipped on-site gym open 24/7 in London only

Authenticity of applications

We value authentic personal applications. If we determine that your CV or supporting statement was generated using AI tools, your application may be withdrawn from consideration.

The Financial Ombudsman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team. We view diversity as fundamental to our success and welcome applications from underrepresented groups across all communities.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and, under the scheme, will progress a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role to interview. Interviews may be conducted via video, telephone, or a panel Interview, with some vacancies requiring an online assessment to measure the minimum criteria.

Financial Accounting Manager employer: Financial Ombudsman Service

Join a dynamic team at the Financial Ombudsman, where our values of Purpose, Ambition, Respect, and Trust create a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a PMO Lead in London, you'll benefit from flexible working arrangements, extensive personal and career development opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. With a commitment to diversity and a range of generous benefits, including private medical insurance and gym membership discounts, we invite you to help shape how change is delivered across our organisation.

Financial Ombudsman Service

Contact Details:

Financial Ombudsman Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Accounting Manager

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Financial Ombudsman Service. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accounting Manager

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Financial Accounting
Statutory Reporting
Financial Control
Technical Accounting Expertise (IFRS, IAS19)
Month-End Close Processes
Cashflow Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Financial Ombudsman Service.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Financial Ombudsman Service's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Ombudsman Service

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Financial Ombudsman Service.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Financial Ombudsman Service will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Financial Ombudsman Service employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.