Group Accountant

Group Accountant

Reading Full-Time 50000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join as a Group Accountant, handling audits, accounting, and group reporting.
  • Company: A leading consumer and retail company with a £1.3 billion turnover.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and company discounts.
  • Why this job: Perfect for first-time movers seeking growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified from a Top 10 practice.
  • Other info: Located near Reading with onsite parking; application support available.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.

Group Accountant – Reading (3 days in office) – Salary to £50,000 to £60,000

We worked with this company last year and had a positive experience with their team. This role has arisen due to an internal promotion, and the current postholder is looking to replace himself to support further team growth.

Ideally suited to a first-time mover, this is an exciting, blended role—perfect for your first move out of practice. You will report to the Group Financial Reporting Manager, who was also audit-trained at PWC before transitioning to this company.

About the company…

A leader in the consumer and retail sector, with a turnover close to £1.3 billion. The company offers opportunities for progression and has experienced both organic growth and growth through acquisitions. Located on the outskirts of Reading with onsite parking, it avoids the city centre traffic.

About the job…

Key responsibilities include:

  • Internal & External Audit
  • Statutory Accounting
  • Acquisitions Accounting
  • Project Accounting

Additional duties involve:

  • Managing and completing group reporting for UK & EMEA on a monthly basis
  • Preparing consolidated management accounts and commentary packs
  • Handling group consolidations
  • Preparing consolidated group forecasts
  • Integrating newly acquired companies into the group
  • Preparing balance sheet reconciliations and reviewing group balance sheets
  • Assisting with the consolidated budget process
  • Implementing new financial reporting policies

About you…

  • First-time mover from a Top 10 Practice
  • ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified
  • Proficient in Excel (SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
  • Good communication skills to liaise with senior management (Group FD, Group CFO, Head of Financial Reporting)
  • Ability to build relationships with team members

Salary & Benefits…

  • Salary circa £55,000 to £60,000 plus a small end-of-year bonus
  • 4% Pension
  • 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
  • Company discount scheme

Summary…

We are looking for a first-time mover trained at a Top 10 practice, qualified, and seeking to transition into industry. While much of the role involves acquisitions accounting, prior hands-on experience is not required—an understanding of the process and a broad perspective are essential, as the role requires adaptability due to its fast-paced and varied nature.

We are happy to provide application and accessibility support. Please contact your Marks Sattin or Grafton consultant directly to discuss your needs. We are committed to protecting candidate and client privacy; see our privacy policies at https://www.markssattin.co.uk/privacy and https://uk.grafton-recruitment.com/en/privacy-policy-1.

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Group Accountant employer: Marks Sattin Ltd

As a leader in the consumer and retail sector, this company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters employee growth and development. With a strong focus on progression, employees benefit from a supportive culture, competitive salary packages, and a range of perks including a generous holiday allowance and pension scheme. Located conveniently on the outskirts of Reading, the company provides a perfect balance of professional challenge and personal well-being, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers in a dynamic setting.
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Contact Detail:

Marks Sattin Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Accountant

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the consumer and retail sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at companies similar to the one you're applying for. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial reporting and acquisitions accounting. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only boost your confidence but also impress the hiring managers during any discussions.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with Excel, especially functions like SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and PivotTables. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in your previous roles, as they are crucial for this position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company's recent acquisitions and growth strategies. Understanding their business model and how they integrate new companies will show your genuine interest in the role and help you stand out during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification
Proficient in Excel (SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, PivotTables)
Strong communication skills
Ability to build relationships with team members
Understanding of internal and external audit processes
Knowledge of statutory accounting
Experience with group reporting
Familiarity with acquisitions accounting
Project accounting skills
Ability to prepare consolidated management accounts
Competence in preparing balance sheet reconciliations
Experience in implementing financial reporting policies
Adaptability in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications, particularly your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA credentials. Emphasise any relevant experience from your time in a Top 10 practice, especially in areas like audit and statutory accounting.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of acquisitions accounting and how your skills in Excel will benefit the team. Personalise it to reflect why you want to transition into this specific industry.

Highlight Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships with senior management. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for an accountant. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well.

How to prepare for a job interview at Marks Sattin Ltd

✨Understand the Role

Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Group Accountant. Familiarise yourself with internal and external audit processes, statutory accounting, and group reporting. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.

✨Showcase Your Qualifications

As a first-time mover from a Top 10 practice, highlight your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your training has equipped you for this role, especially in areas like financial reporting and project accounting.

✨Demonstrate Excel Proficiency

Since proficiency in Excel is crucial for this position, be ready to discuss your experience with functions like SUMIFS, VLOOKUP, and PivotTables. You might even want to mention specific examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.

✨Build Rapport with Interviewers

Good communication skills are essential for liaising with senior management. Practice building rapport by engaging with your interviewers, asking insightful questions, and showing genuine interest in the company’s growth and culture.

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