At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the annual audit process and enhance financial controls in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join a professional services firm with a collaborative and supportive culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for process improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact during a busy audit period while developing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong audit support background.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid / St Albans, UK
Job type: Contract / Part-time
Sector and subsector: Accounting & Finance | Audit & Practice
Salary: Negotiable salary
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Accountant to join our Finance team on a 3-month fixed term contract to provide additional support during the annual audit process and wider finance activity. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the preparation of audit deliverables, strengthening financial controls and assisting the Finance team with key accounting activities during a busy period. This role requires a proactive individual who can quickly understand processes, work independently and support multiple priorities in a fast-paced professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and prepare information required for the external audit process
- Own and maintain audit request trackers
- Gather supporting documentation and respond to auditor queries
- Prepare audit schedules and reconciliations
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to obtain information efficiently
- Support delivery of a smooth and timely year-end audit process
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations
- Investigate and resolve reconciling items
- Review accounting entries and ensure supporting documentation is maintained
- Assist with maintaining strong financial controls and process documentation
- Support review and cleanup of historical balance sheet items where required
Month-End & Reporting Support
- Assist with month-end close activities
- Support preparation of journals, accruals and prepayments
- Provide analysis and commentary where required
- Assist with management reporting and ad hoc financial analysis
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency and control processes
- Support documentation and standardisation of finance procedures
- Assist with ad hoc finance projects and process enhancements
Person Specification
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or qualified by experience with strong relevant background
- Previous experience supporting external audits
- Strong balance sheet reconciliation experience
- Excellent attention to detail and analytical capability
- Data manipulation and analysis
- Ability to work independently and quickly understand new environments
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Experience of year-end audit preparation and audit liaison
- Experience within professional services or legal sector environments
Contractor Accountant in St Albans employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive Finance team in St Albans, where your expertise as a Contractor Accountant will be valued during a crucial audit period. We offer a flexible hybrid working environment that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative culture. With a focus on continuous improvement and efficiency, you'll play a key role in enhancing our financial processes while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant professional services setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor Accountant in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the accounting and finance sector. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of audit processes and financial controls. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the role. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you've improved reporting efficiency or resolved complex financial issues. This will show potential employers that you’re proactive and results-driven.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Contractor Accountant role! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are eager to join our team. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Contractor Accountant in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contractor Accountant role. Highlight your experience with audits, balance sheet reconciliations, and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our Finance team. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities in the job description, and show us your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:As an accountant, attention to detail is crucial. In your application, make sure to demonstrate this skill. Whether it's through your CV formatting or the accuracy of your information, we want to see that you take pride in your work!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around balance sheet reconciliations and audit processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed audits or improved financial controls.
✨Showcase Your Proactivity
This role requires a proactive approach, so come prepared with examples of how you've taken the initiative in previous roles. Think about times when you identified process improvements or streamlined reporting efficiency.
✨Master the Art of Communication
Since you'll be liaising with internal stakeholders and auditors, practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain how you’ve effectively communicated with different teams in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage competing priorities or resolve discrepancies during audits, and be ready to share your thought process.
