At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial control and reporting in a fast-paced banking environment.
- Company: LHV Bank, a dynamic UK-licensed bank with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, health plans, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in finance while leveraging technology and AI tools.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field; strong A-Level performers welcome.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
LHV Bank Limited is a UK-licensed bank operating across three core business segments: Retail Banking, SME Lending, and Banking Services (BaaS). The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of LHV Group, a listed financial services provider headquartered in Estonia. LHV Bank operates under a full UK banking licence granted in May 2023. The Bank supports over 200 fintech clients with embedded financial infrastructure, provides retail savings products via digital channels, and offers SME credit solutions across the UK. In line with its regulatory responsibilities and growth ambitions, LHV Bank is committed to maintaining a robust and proportionate financial crime control environment. Expanding our services, LHV Bank now provides personal banking solutions. Our offerings include current accounts with competitive interest rates, fixed-rate bonds for long-term savings, and debit cards. Customers can conveniently access these services through the LHV App, enabling secure account opening and management.
We are looking for a curious, data-native and highly motivated Junior Financial Accountant / Financial Accountant to join our UK Finance team and grow with the business.
Role Overview
This role sits at the heart of the finance function, supporting financial control, reporting and finance operations in a fast-paced, regulated banking environment. You will gain hands-on exposure across the full finance lifecycle, from transaction processing and reconciliations to month-end reporting and statutory accounts support. The role is designed for someone who is technically minded, digitally fluent and eager to build deep accounting expertise while continuously improving how things are done. We are particularly interested in individuals who are genuinely comfortable working with data, systems and AI tools, someone who sees automation and technology as part of their daily toolkit.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Controllership & Reporting: Support the delivery of month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of outputs. Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including bank and key control accounts, with a strong focus on completeness and data integrity. Assist in maintaining the integrity of the general ledger and chart of accounts. Support the preparation of financial reports, management information and statutory accounts disclosures. Assist in operating financial reporting models, ensuring accurate data inputs and adherence to documented controls. Provide supporting documentation and analysis for external and internal audits.
- Finance Operations: Execute day-to-day finance processes including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, expense processing and cash settlements. Ensure transactions are recorded accurately and in line with internal controls and accounting policies. Support tax compliance processes by preparing schedules and working papers for review. Maintain high standards of documentation and audit trail across all activities.
- Data, Systems & Process Improvements: Use Excel and accounting ledger systems to analyse financial data, investigate discrepancies and improve reporting outputs. Identify opportunities to streamline, automate or enhance existing finance processes. Leverage AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot or similar platforms) to improve efficiency, documentation quality, reconciliations and reporting workflows. Demonstrate strong prompt literacy and a structured approach to using AI responsibly within a controlled environment. Work closely with Technology, Operations and Group Finance to improve data flows and reporting accuracy.
Requirements
Education & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Data Analytics or a related field. Strong A-Level performers will also be considered. Studying towards an accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or planning to commence studies. For Financial Accountant level: part-qualified or newly qualified with relevant practical experience.
Technical & Professional Skills: Strong foundational accounting knowledge (double-entry, accruals, reconciliations, financial statements). Natural affinity for systems and technology; quick to learn new tools and platforms. Strong Excel capability, with the ability to build clear, logical and well-controlled schedules and working papers, leveraging AI tools (such as ChatGPT or similar) alongside Excel to enhance structure, efficiency and documentation quality. Demonstrated interest or experience in using AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or similar) for analysis, automation or productivity improvements. Strong personal work ethic with high levels of ownership, discipline and accountability; consistently delivers accurate, well-structured work to a high standard, even under time pressure. Clear communicator with the confidence to ask questions and challenge inconsistencies in data. Fluent in spoken and written English.
Some of our benefits (only applicable to UK based roles not Internship programmes):
- Competitive salary & lots of opportunities to learn, grow and progress professionally.
- Open and inclusive culture.
- Hybrid working.
- Fantastic offices and great working environment.
- Vitality Health Plan (includes private health insurance, travel insurance, gym discounts).
- Health cash Plan (Medicash health plan Level 3).
- 6% employer pension contribution.
- Life assurance – 4 x salary.
- Income protection insurance – 75%.
- 28 days holiday plus 3 additional days, & further days for various key life events as well as the opportunity to sell up to 5 days per calendar year.
- Swap public/bank holidays each year for alternative days that align with your personal, cultural, or religious observances.
- Enhanced family friendly and family forming policies.
- Access to a wide range of retail discounts.
- Team Socials.
Financial Accountant employer: LHV Bank Limited
LHV Bank Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development in the financial services sector. With a commitment to inclusivity and a robust benefits package, including competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and comprehensive health plans, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in vibrant cities like Manchester and London, LHV Bank provides a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of anti-financial crime efforts while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like LHV Bank Limited.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to LHV Bank Limited's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at LHV Bank Limited
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.