Specialist, Accounting Operations

Specialist, Accounting Operations

Full-Time 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
McDonald’s UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support accounting operations and improve processes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join McDonald's, a leading employer with a diverse and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team atmosphere.
  • Other info: Opportunities for growth and a commitment to community engagement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with a globally recognised brand.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field; strong attention to detail and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

About Us

McDonald's has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald's is one of the UK's largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.

Department Overview

McDonald’s UK & Ireland is looking for a Specialist, Accounting Operations to join our finance team. In this critical role, you’ll work closely with the Assistant Financial Controller, the UK&I Market Controller, and our third-party providers to deliver accurate, high-quality accounting operations — all while helping drive process improvement across the board. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong technical accounting skills and a passion for operational excellence to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Duties

  • Partner with the Assistant Financial Controller to triage escalations and keep operations running smoothly.
  • Deliver and support core controllership activities such as A2R (Account to Report), P2P (Procure to Pay), and R2R (Record to Report) with a high level of accuracy.
  • Perform key in-Market accounting, audit, and tax activities requiring local presence.
  • Act as the day-to-day liaison with our third-party accounting provider, ensuring alignment and efficient service delivery.
  • Monitor and ensure the accuracy and quality of outputs from the third-party provider.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for the UK&I market finance team and corporate stakeholders, providing clear communication and operational support.
  • Play a role in resolving issues, disputes, and approvals within our Scaled Services model.

Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Experience working successfully with third-party providers in an accounting or finance setting.
  • A mindset focused on continuous improvement and process efficiency.
  • Strong attention to detail and solid organisational skills.
  • Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • A customer-first approach, with a commitment to delivering high-quality service to stakeholders.
  • The ability to juggle multiple priorities and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
  • Familiarity with Oracle Fusion a bonus.

At McDonald's, we are People from all Walks of Life...

Company Vision and Culture

Our Global vision is to build a better McDonald's and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Ireland's best-loved restaurant company. McDonald's is defined by its culture. Our culture shapes and informs everything we think and everything we do. Our culture influences the way we interact with each other, and how we interact with customers, franchisees and suppliers. Our culture motivates and inspires us to attract and retain great talent, creating a positive, energising, exceptional working environment for us all. Our values drive our culture and shape our beliefs, our priorities and our actions. They influence the decisions we make, how we treat one another and how we show up as a brand to the world.

  • Serve: We put our customers and our people first.
  • Inclusion: We open our doors to everyone.
  • Integrity: We do the right thing.
  • Community: We are good neighbours.
  • Family: We get better together.

At McDonald's we are People from all Walks of Life... People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald's experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength. We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind. These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play. We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonald's or elsewhere.

Specialist, Accounting Operations employer: McDonald’s UK

McDonald's is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while serving millions of customers daily. With a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, the role of Specialist, Accounting Operations provides ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment. Employees benefit from a diverse workplace that values integrity, community, and family, making it a rewarding place to build a career in finance.

McDonald’s UK

Contact Details:

McDonald’s UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Specialist, Accounting Operations

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 McDonald’s UK. 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 Specialist, Accounting Operations

Technical Accounting Skills
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Customer Service Orientation
Process Improvement Mindset
Ability to Work Under Pressure

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 McDonald’s UK.

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 McDonald’s UK'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 McDonald’s UK

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 McDonald’s UK.

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 McDonald’s UK 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 McDonald’s UK 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.