Financial Accountant

Key Responsibilities

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting the delivery of accurate financial accounting, compliance and reporting across all Japan House London entities. The role has particular responsibility for MoFA financial reporting, VAT compliance, month-end accounting, procurement controls and balance sheet management. Working closely with the Financial Controller, the postholder will help ensure strong financial controls, accurate financial records and compliance with statutory and organisational requirements. This role is particularly important given the complexity, technical nature and scrutiny associated with MoFA reporting requirements and provides an excellent opportunity for a part-qualified accountant to broaden their experience across financial accounting, compliance and reporting.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Finance Team, Budget Holders and Department Managers
• External: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Auditors, HMRC, Suppliers and other stakeholders

Financial Accounting & Month-End Reporting

• Support the delivery of month-end and year-end accounting processes across all entities, ensuring financial records are complete, accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, intercompany balances and fixed asset accounting.
• Support the preparation of management information, statutory accounts and financial reporting requirements.

MoFA Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation and coordination of MoFA financial reporting and supporting schedules, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with reporting requirements.
• Maintain robust supporting documentation and audit trails and act as a key point of contact for MoFA-related financial information requests.
• Support the continuous improvement of MoFA reporting processes and controls.

VAT, Regulatory & Compliance Reporting

• Prepare VAT returns and supporting documentation across all entities.
• Support compliance with HMRC requirements and other regulatory reporting obligations.
• Assist with ONS submissions, statutory reporting requirements and compliance activities as required.

Procurement & Financial Controls

• Support the operation and monitoring of procurement and purchase order processes.
• Promote compliance with organisational policies, delegated authority limits and financial controls.
• Work with budget holders and operational teams to improve purchasing compliance and financial governance.

Treasury, Fixed Assets & Balance Sheet Management

• Maintain the fixed asset register and associated accounting records.
• Support cashflow reporting, treasury administration and foreign exchange analysis.
• Ensure balance sheet accounts are regularly reconciled, reviewed and appropriately supported.

Audit & Reporting Support

• Coordinate audit schedules, reconciliations and supporting documentation.
• Support internal and external audit processes and the preparation of statutory accounts.
• Assist with management reporting, compliance submissions and ad-hoc financial analysis.

Other Duties

• Provide support and cover for the Financial Controller, FP&A Manager and other members of the Finance team as required.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives.
• Support the development and improvement of finance systems, reporting tools and business processes.
• Support organisational reporting, compliance and governance activities.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential Qualifications & experience

• Part-qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA, or actively studying towards a recognised accounting qualification.
• Experience in a finance, management accounting or financial accounting role.
• Experience supporting month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience preparing VAT returns or supporting indirect tax compliance.
• Experience working with financial controls and accounting processes.
• Experience working to multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment.
• Demonstrate and role-model Japan House London Values: Omotenashi, Integrity, Shared Passion, Cultivation, and Open-ness.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical accounting and reconciliation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong Excel and financial systems skills.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with finance and non-finance colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience within a multi-entity organisation.
• Experience with Xero or similar finance systems.

Work Environment

The role is based at Japan House London, Kensington High Street. JHL operates a flexible hybrid working model, with regular office attendance of at least one day per week, with the expectation to adjust in line with business and team requirements. Some duties may be carried out in Japan House London public spaces. Occasional attendance at events, meetings and activities outside normal working hours may be required. Normal working hours are 35 hours per week, with core hours from 10am to 3pm.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 36 days per year, inclusive of public and bank holidays.
• Group life insurance scheme.
• Remote GP service.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee discount for the Japan House Shop and Stand Discount platform for high street shops.
• Access to perks and discounts local to Kensington High Street, London.
• Personal learning budget after 6 months’ service.

Japan House London is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce. You are encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities, and particularly welcome those from under-represented groups.