Group Accountant - Prop Trading

Group Accountant - Prop Trading

Full-Time 51750 - 63250 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
J

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial reporting and enhance accounting processes in a fast-paced trading environment.
  • Company: Market-leading proprietary trading firm focused on innovation and liquidity improvement.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private healthcare, and on-site gym access.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on financial operations.
  • Qualifications: Experience in financial accounting and strong Excel skills required.

The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.

  • Group Accountant | Proprietary Trading Firm | London
  • JSS Financial Services has been retained to find a

Group Accountant for a market-leading proprietary trading firm.

Our client deploys its own capital across discretionary, systematic, and market‑making strategies, backed by deep expertise in trading, technology, and research.

They are relentlessly focused on improving liquidity across global listed derivatives, using advanced execution and pricing technology to improve how financial markets operate.

We're looking for a Group Accountant to join our client's high‑performing, UK‑based finance team within a fast‑paced trading environment.

This is a key control and reporting role with excellent exposure to how the business operates end‑to‑end.

The successful candidate will own balance sheet integrity across a portfolio of group entities, support the close process, and play a central role in delivering statutory reporting (including consolidated accounts), partnering with teams across the firm to strengthen controls, improve processes, and support high‑impact finance projects.

What you'll do

  • Lead the close timetable, coordinating dependencies and acting as a key point of contact across Finance and the wider business
  • Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, prepayments, intercompany and other complex postings, with a clear audit trail
  • Own robust balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring items are identified, supported, and cleared on time
  • Support the preparation, review, and audit of statutory financial statements, including consolidated group accounts, acting as a primary point of contact for auditors on your areas
  • Maintain and enhance accounting policies and technical documentation for complex or judgemental transactions
  • Track IFRS developments and support implementation across the group
  • Assist with regulatory returns and stay ahead of the evolving regulatory landscape
  • Support tax compliance and reporting with accurate schedules and reconciliations
  • Champion automation and AI tools to improve reporting quality, streamline reconciliations, and boost efficiency with appropriate controls maintained throughout
  • Strengthen financial controls and drive continuous improvement of key checks
  • Review the work of others, providing quality assurance and informal coaching
  • Contribute to ad hoc projects and cross‑functional initiatives

What we're looking for

  • Proven experience in financial accounting/financial control, balance sheet ownership, reconciliations, journals, statutory reporting support
  • Financial services experience (practice or industry) essential
  • Exposure to regulatory reporting desirable
  • Strong Excel skills, comfortable with large datasets and clear, well‑controlled analysis
  • A technology‑first mindset, proactive about automation, AI tools, and system improvements
  • Excellent attention to detail, strong organisation, and a clear sense of ownership
  • Solid understanding of IFRS, with the ability to research and apply other frameworks as needed
  • Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a high‑accountability environment

What's on offer

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Enhanced annual leave after 2+ years' service
  • 25 days' annual leave (plus public holidays)
  • Fully catered breakfast, lunch, and snacks from an in‑house chef
  • Private healthcare and life assurance
  • On‑site private gym with instructor‑led classes (boxing, yoga, and more)
  • Monthly company events and social activities
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Group Accountant - Prop Trading employer: JSS

JSS is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture, encouraging collaboration and innovation in the heart of the UK near Bristol. Employees benefit from comprehensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to influence strategic decisions in a pivotal role that shapes the future of hospitality revenue management. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and professional development.

J

Contact Details:

JSS Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - Prop Trading

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like JSS. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Prop Trading

Financial Accounting
Financial Control
Balance Sheet Ownership
Reconciliations
Journal Entries
Statutory Reporting
IFRS Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to JSS.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on JSS's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at JSS

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with JSS.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at JSS will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former JSS employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.