Senior Manager, Financial Accounting

Senior Manager, Financial Accounting

Full-Time 63900 - 78100 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Kobalt Music

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and oversee core accounting processes in a dynamic publishing environment.
  • Company: Join Kobalt, a leader in music services, supporting artists and songwriters globally.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the creative industry while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Finance or Accounting with strong experience in similar roles.

The predicted salary is between 63900 - 78100 £ per year.

As a Senior Manager, Accounting, you will play a key role within our global Finance team, supporting the financial operations of our publishing business. You’ll oversee core accounting processes including balance sheet reconciliations and month-end close, while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong financial controls. This role is suited to someone who combines technical accounting expertise with strong interpersonal skills and a proactive mindset. You’ll manage and develop a small team, contribute to process improvements, and work cross-functionally to support audits, reporting, and wider business initiatives.

What You’ll Do

  • You oversee balance sheet reconciliations and monthly and quarterly close processes, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
  • You prepare and review journal entries, balance sheets, and provide commentary and analysis on financial performance.
  • You manage, develop, and support two direct reports, fostering growth and maintaining high performance within the team.
  • You lead process improvement initiatives, ensuring robust documentation and efficient workflows.
  • You coordinate the preparation and review of audit files across group, UK, and international audits.
  • You support quarterly client pre-statement checks, working closely with internal teams to ensure accuracy.
  • You collaborate with stakeholders across the business on activities that impact financial reporting.
  • You support business surveys, tax requests, and other ad hoc finance requirements.

What You’ll Bring

  • Preferred: Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
  • Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, or CPA.
  • Strong experience in a similar accounting or finance role, ideally within music or creative industries.
  • Deep understanding of month-end close, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Experience supporting internal and external audits, including audit file preparation and review.
  • Strong attention to detail with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders.
  • Proven experience managing and developing team members.

Additional Skills That Could Add Value:

  • Experience working within a global or matrixed organisation.
  • Exposure to publishing, royalties, or rights-based business models.
  • A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on automation and efficiency.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial data.

What Success Looks Like

  • By Month 3: You’ll have a strong understanding of Kobalt’s financial processes and systems, contributing to month-end close and supporting reconciliations.
  • By Month 6: You’ll independently manage core accounting responsibilities, support audits, and effectively lead your team.
  • By Year 1: You’ll identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and support the wider finance function.

Key Behaviours for Success

  • Ownership Accountability: Takes full responsibility for financial accuracy, deadlines, and deliverables.
  • Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of precision across all accounting processes.
  • Improvement: Actively identifies opportunities to enhance processes and drive efficiency.

Interview Process

  • Introductory call with a member of our Recruitment Team.
  • Interviews with the hiring manager.
  • Interview with the wider team.
  • Culture based interview.

We aim to complete the full interview process from initial application to offer within three working weeks. While we do our best to meet this timeline, there may be occasional delays. If that happens, our Recruitment Team will keep you updated every step of the way.

Why Choose Us

At Kobalt, we’ve championed creators since 2000. Our technology and music services are built to make the industry more transparent, fair, and rewarding for artists, songwriters, and rights holders. We’re proud to work with some of the world’s most influential talents. We’re a company that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and progress. Our values Music First, Transparent, Tech Powered, and Transformative shape how we work and grow together. Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in equitable access to opportunities and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. If you need any adjustments during the hiring process, please let us know.

Important Notice

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom. A full DBS check may be conducted on acceptance of the offer. Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

Senior Manager, Financial Accounting employer: Kobalt Music

Kobalt Music is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within the music industry. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, comprehensive growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on revenue maximization through innovative analytics. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your insights and contributions.

Kobalt Music

Contact Details:

Kobalt Music Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Financial Accounting

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

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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

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Financial Accounting

Technical Accounting Expertise
Balance Sheet Reconciliations
Month-End Close Processes
Journal Entries Preparation and Review
Audit File Preparation and Review
Team Management and Development
Process Improvement Initiatives

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 Kobalt Music.

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 Kobalt Music'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 Kobalt Music

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 Kobalt Music.

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 Kobalt Music 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 Kobalt Music 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.