Financial Accountant in North East

08th September, 2026

Financial Accountant

Location: Durham

Sector: Central Services

Salary: Up to £60,000 + Company Car or Car Allowance

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Financial Accountant to join the Finance function of an established construction and civil engineering contractor based in Durham.

The business operates across the construction and civil engineering sector, delivering a range of projects and services, and this is a key position within the Finance Department, supporting the wider business and playing an important role in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting, statutory compliance and financial controls.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the year-end audit process, statutory reporting and financial statements, whilst also contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of finance processes and controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare annual statutory financial statements in line with UK accounting standards, including FRS 102.
• Oversee statutory reporting requirements and ensure all relevant filings are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
• Take a lead role in the external audit process, acting as a key contact for auditors and coordinating information and responses across the business.
• Produce audit schedules and supporting documentation, whilst managing and resolving audit queries efficiently.
• Maintain compliance with applicable financial reporting standards and statutory requirements.
• Support the preparation of corporation tax information and work alongside external tax advisers where required.
• Prepare company VAT returns.
• Produce the monthly Group Board management information pack.
• Assist in strengthening and developing the Group's financial control environment.
• Identify opportunities to improve finance processes, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy and automation.
• Support balance sheet reconciliations and other financial control activities when required.
• Maintain an understanding and oversight of key commercial contract reporting.
• Work collaboratively with operational finance teams to improve and standardise financial processes across the wider business.
• Assist with finance projects, including system improvements, process transformation and automation initiatives.
• Provide technical accounting advice and support to colleagues where required, particularly in relation to changes in accounting policies or regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting.
• Proven experience preparing consolidated statutory accounts under UK GAAP / FRS 102.
• Experience leading or managing external audits.
• Good understanding of statutory reporting and financial compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively, manage competing demands and work to tight deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within the construction, engineering or contracting sectors.
• Experience preparing corporation tax returns for a group structure.
• Knowledge of CIS and VAT requirements within the construction sector.
• Experience delivering finance process improvements, automation or transformation projects.

Personal Attributes We are looking for someone who is:

• Technically capable with a strong commitment to financial accuracy and excellence.
• Proactive and keen to identify opportunities to improve existing processes.
• Collaborative, with the ability to establish positive working relationships across different areas of the business.