At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead month-end close, oversee accounting activities, and drive process improvements.
- Company: Global organisation supporting renowned brands with a dynamic finance team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, private healthcare, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Immediate start required; opportunity to influence financial processes and lead teams.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact in a complex international environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of IFRS/US GAAP and experience in multi-entity finance management.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a global organisation that supports some of the world's most recognised brands and enterprises. This position is being represented to the market on a fixed term basis for a period of 6 months and therefore requires someone who is immediately available or able to start at short notice, i.e. June or very early July!
This is a highly visible role that will suit an experienced accounting professional who thrives on challenge and enjoys bringing structure to complex environments. The finance function is undergoing a period of improvement, and the successful candidate will be instrumental in unpicking existing reporting processes, investigating and resolving P&L issues and queries, strengthening controls and driving greater accuracy across financial reporting.
You will need resilience, tenacity and a hands-on approach. This is not a role for someone who is reluctant to challenge existing behaviours or processes. We are looking for an individual who can quickly assess issues, identify root causes and implement practical solutions that improve the effectiveness of the finance team and its reporting outputs.
As part of a high-performing finance team, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strengthening controls, driving process improvements and supporting strategic business initiatives across the EMEA region. You'll bring proven experience of improving processes, enhancing reporting quality and leading teams through change within a complex international environment.
This broad and varied position combines technical accounting expertise, team leadership and business partnering. You'll have the opportunity to influence financial processes, contribute to transformation initiatives and work closely with senior stakeholders across Finance, HR, Payroll, Treasury and Operations.
If you enjoy improving processes, leading teams and making a tangible impact within a dynamic international business, this role offers both challenge and career development.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the month-end close process across multiple EMEA entities, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
- Oversee accounting activities including revenue recognition, payroll, fixed assets, leases, operating expenses and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations and supporting documentation prepared by the wider team.
- Investigate and resolve complex P&L issues, reporting discrepancies and process inefficiencies.
- Strengthen financial controls and improve the quality and reliability of management reporting.
- Ensure compliance with both IFRS and US GAAP requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, controls and reporting quality.
- Support transformation and system improvement projects across the finance function.
- Manage and develop both outsourced and direct finance teams.
- Strong knowledge of IFRS and US GAAP.
- Experience managing both outsourced and direct finance teams simultaneously.
- Experience working within a complex, multi-entity and international environment.
- Experience of Percentage of Completion (POC) accounting.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent critical thinking and investigative capabilities.
- ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
- Significant accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities and ownership of month-end reporting processes.
- A track record of driving process improvements and successfully implementing change within finance functions.
Accounting Manager - EMEA in Staines employer: Howett Thorpe
As an Accounting Manager at this global organisation, you will be part of a dynamic finance team that values resilience and innovation. With a hybrid working model, private healthcare, and a robust pension scheme, the company fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. This role not only offers the chance to lead transformative financial processes but also provides a unique opportunity to make a significant impact across the EMEA region, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Manager - EMEA in Staines
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Howett Thorpe.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Howett Thorpe might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Manager - EMEA in Staines
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Howett Thorpe will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Howett Thorpe. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Howett Thorpe confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howett Thorpe
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Howett Thorpe.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Howett Thorpe that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
