At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily finance operations, payroll, and compliance for a growing import and distribution business.
- Company: Established company with a strong reputation in the UK retail and trade markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £38,000, with opportunities for growth and development.
- Other info: Office-based role in West Yorkshire with standard weekday hours.
- Why this job: Be the finance lead in a dynamic environment and make a real impact on the business.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles, strong knowledge of payroll, VAT, and HMRC compliance.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Directors, this hands-on Company Accountant role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance function. You will oversee all transactional finance, payroll, HMRC compliance and month and year-end processes, acting as the primary finance lead within the business. The position is with a long-established import and distribution business operating across the UK retail and trade markets. With an international supplier base and multi-currency transactions, the company has built a strong reputation in its sector and continues to grow through long-standing customer relationships and operational expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Full responsibility for daily finance operations, including cash management, banking and reconciliations (GBP, EUR and USD)
- Managing weekly UK and international supplier payment runs, including foreign currency transactions
- Overseeing purchase and sales ledger processes, ensuring accurate postings and reconciliations
- Monitoring aged creditors and debtors, resolving queries and investigating discrepancies
- Processing weekly and monthly payroll, including RTI submissions, pensions, P11Ds and payroll journals
- Preparing quarterly VAT returns and supporting compliance submissions in conjunction with external accountants
- Acting as first point of contact for HMRC queries and audit requirements
- Managing month-end close, reviewing P&L, trial balance and balance sheet reconciliations
- Maintaining clean and accurate ledgers ahead of external accountant review
- Supporting year-end processes, including reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and audit preparation
Key Experience
- Proven experience in a standalone or number one finance role within an SME environment
- Strong working knowledge of payroll, VAT and HMRC compliance
- Experience managing multi-currency transactions and foreign supplier payments
- Confident overseeing both transactional finance and month-end reporting
- Comfortable liaising with external accountants and auditors
- Practical, hands-on approach with the ability to work independently
Package & Working Pattern
- Salary to £38,000 depending on experience with room to build on this
- Office-based role in West Yorkshire
- Full-time position with standard weekday hours
Company Accountant in Birmingham employer: IPS Group
Contact Detail:
IPS Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Company Accountant in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in SMEs. They might know about openings that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of payroll, VAT, and HMRC compliance. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with multi-currency transactions and how you've managed finance operations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. Use our website to find roles that suit you best, and tailor your approach to each company’s culture and needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their finance team.
We think you need these skills to ace Company Accountant in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your hands-on finance experience, especially in managing payroll and HMRC compliance, to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the Company Accountant role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with multi-currency transactions!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you streamline a process or improve accuracy in financial reporting? We love to see how you’ve made a difference in previous positions!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Company Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed cash flow, reconciliations, and payroll in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also handle them effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Since HMRC compliance is a big part of this role, make sure you understand the latest regulations and how they apply to payroll and VAT. Be prepared to share examples of how you've navigated compliance issues in the past, as this will highlight your expertise and attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Multi-Currency Experience
With the company dealing in GBP, EUR, and USD, it’s crucial to highlight any experience you have with multi-currency transactions. Discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, as this will demonstrate your capability to manage complex financial operations.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company's finance function, their expectations for the role, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.