Financial Accountant (1 year FTC) in London

As Inner Circle continues to scale, the strength, accuracy and insightfulness of our financial reporting and controls are critical to supporting leadership decision-making. Reporting into our Finance Director, the Financial Accountant will play a pivotal role within the Finance team – ensuring robust financial governance and providing high-quality insight to the Finance Director and wider leadership. This hands-on, visible role leads the production of accurate and timely financial reporting and planning for the business, strengthens financial controls, and delivers proactive analysis to support the organisation's commercial and strategic objectives, while overseeing month-end, year-end, audits, taxation, cashflow, balance sheet integrity and continuous improvement across finance processes.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Management Accounts, Board Packs and cash flow statements.
• Provide insightful financial analysis to support leadership decisions, including preparing and reviewing financial performance in partnership with COT (commercial operations team), identifying key revenue, cost and cashflow risks and opportunities.
• Support budgeting and forecasting, including updating quarterly budgets and leading budget meetings, collaborating with other relevant stakeholders to provide financial insights.
• Manage payroll related journal entries, and complete monthly journal exports to AIQ (accounting software).
• Prepare VAT returns, assist with tax filings (including PSA/P11D), and ensure compliance with all tax regulations.
• Support the annual audit process by preparing necessary documentation and collaborating with external auditors.
• Assist in developing financial policies and procedures, implementing internal controls, and identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Provide coaching and guidance to Finance Assistant, supporting their development.

Qualifications

• ACA/AAT/ACCA/CIMA qualified, or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.

Experience

• Proven three years experience as a Financial Accountant or similar role, preferably within a consultancy, professional services or project-based environment.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Accounts IQ, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero) and Microsoft Excel.
• Proficient in ERP/PMO systems (e.g. CMAP, Paprika, HubSpot).

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations.
• Able to prioritise and be agile – responsive to the needs of the business.
• An effective communicator with demonstrable skills in building relationships at all levels.
• A commercial mindset with a clear understanding of the commercial requirements of running a consulting business.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to interpret financial data into clear insights and compelling recommendations.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of business drivers.
• High level of ownership, accuracy and attention to detail.

Personal Characteristics

• Natural curiosity.
• Self-starters; can identify what needs to be done and get on with it.
• Have an intolerance of inertia.
• A strong work ethic and organisational skills.
• The ability to lead and form part of a team.
• Enjoy deploying their skills and expertise to issues outside their sphere of experience.
• The desire to be the best at what they do.
• Can clearly communicate complex issues in written and oral form.
• The ability to notice, interpret and anticipate concerns and feelings and to behave appropriately.
• Treat business problems as though they are their own.
• Good critical thinkers.
• Focused on beneficial outcomes.

Performance Related Bonus

• 3%-5% contributory pension
• Healthcare & Death in Service Insurance
• Monthly kudos scheme
• Mobile phone
• Laptop (MacBook Pro or ThinkPad)
• 27 days per year + bank holidays