Lead Accountant in Leatherhead

Lead Accountant in Leatherhead

Leatherhead Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a small accounting team and ensure accurate financial reporting.
  • Company: Join KBR, a global leader in innovative solutions and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to growth and integrity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial processes and contribute to strategic initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with strong Excel and technical accounting skills.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Title: Lead Accountant A career at KBR can change the world — and change your life.

If you’re ready, let’s get started.

The KBR team of teams delivers future-forward science, technology and engineering solutions and mission-critical services that help governments and companies around the world accomplish their most important objectives, while also helping achieve their sustainability goals.

Role Summary

Join KBR as a Lead Accountant and play a key role in ensuring the integrity of our financial reporting and control environment.

Reporting to the Regional Controller, you will provide leadership to a small accounting team while supporting the delivery of accurate, compliant financial information that enables effective business decision-making.

This position offers the opportunity to influence process improvements, contribute to strategic initiatives, and help shape a high-performing finance function within a growing and collaborative organisation.

Key Responsibilities

  • You will lead a small team responsible for maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and ensuring financial records are accurate, compliant, and fully supportable.
  • Working closely with internal stakeholders, you will oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and the preparation of management financial reports.
  • You will also support the preparation of UK statutory accounts and act as a key contact during external audits.
  • In addition, you will drive continuous improvement across accounting processes, controls, and reporting practices.
  • The role requires the analysis and reconciliation of complex balance sheet accounts, collaboration with tax, reporting, and operational teams, and participation in strategic projects that enhance financial transparency and support informed business decision-making.
  • You will play a key role in developing a high-performing finance function while providing leadership, guidance, and development opportunities for your team.
  • Required Experience & Skills
  • Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
  • Strong Excel skills with the ability to analyse financial data and produce meaningful reporting.
  • Thorough knowledge of both US GAAP and UK GAAP.
  • Strong technical accounting expertise, ideally within project-based or government contracting environments.
  • Understanding of SOX compliance and US audit requirements.
  • Experience managing internal and external audit processes.
  • Hands-on experience using general ledger and financial reporting systems.
  • Ability to work effectively within a global organisation and collaborate with remote teams.
  • Previous experience leading, coaching, and developing finance professionals.
  • Security Requirements

Applicants must be eligible to obtain the relevant security clearance for this role, which requires UK nationality and a demonstrable five‑year footprint of living and working within the UK.

Location

The role is Hybrid where 3 days per week will be spent in the office in Leatherhead. Please note that our main UK premises will be relocating from Leatherhead in Q4.

Benefits & More

  • Belong.
  • Connect.
  • Grow.

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.

These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.

That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow.

Join Our Talent Community!

KBR is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

kbr — Delivering Solutions, Changing the World.

In everything we do, we are guided by our ONE KBR Values: We Value Our People – We create diverse, inclusive environments in which each person can feel safe, respected and valued, and where everyone has opportunities to grow and reach their full potential.

We Deliver – We are uncompromising in our commitment to deliver innovative, high-quality, technology‑led solutions for our customers and exceptional, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.

We Are People of Integrity – We value honesty, trust, courage, fairness, prudence and tenacity.

We believe doing what’s right for the planet, the communities where we work, and our people is good for business.

We Empower – We empower our people with a shared purpose, the right tools and the supportive culture they need to be proactive decision‑makers, to be adaptive to change, and to succeed.

We Are a Team of Teams – We have a will to succeed, but we value the achievements of our team of teams over individual accomplishments.

Our collective focus makes us a better, stronger, more effective company.

We have also embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in every business operation and corporate function.

Not only are we committed to operating safely, sustainably and equitably, but we are also committed to using our capabilities and expertise to help our customers accomplish their sustainability goals.

Worldwide, KBR employs a diverse workforce approximately 29,000 people strong, with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries.

At KBR, We Deliver.

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Lead Accountant in Leatherhead employer: KBR, Inc.

KBR, Inc. is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant area of Plymouth, Devonport, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee growth, KBR provides ample opportunities for professional development and advancement within the engineering sector. The hybrid working model allows for a balanced approach to work-life integration, making it an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.

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Contact Details:

KBR, Inc. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Accountant in Leatherhead

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 KBR, Inc.. 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 Lead Accountant in Leatherhead

Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Strong Excel Skills
Financial Data Analysis
US GAAP Knowledge
UK GAAP Knowledge
Technical Accounting Expertise
SOX Compliance Understanding

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 KBR, Inc..

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 KBR, Inc.'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 KBR, Inc.

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 KBR, Inc..

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 KBR, Inc. 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 KBR, Inc. 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.