At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a global food production group known for excellence and high-quality products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and opportunity to lead a talented team.
- Other info: Proactive and adaptable candidates will thrive in this dynamic role.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while developing your career in a vibrant London area.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 2+ years' experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
The Lead Accountant will take ownership of the end-to-end finance function within a fast-paced and operationally focused environment. This hands-on position will oversee all aspects of financial and management accounting, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of weekly and monthly reporting, year-end processes, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance requirements.
Client Details: Our client is the UK and European arm of a global food production and distribution group, supporting international import, sales, and supply chain operations across the region. The company is known for its commitment to excellence and providing high-quality products to its customers.
Description:
- Prepare weekly management accounts with detailed multi-site analysis, delivering clear insights into business performance across all levels.
- Produce monthly management accounts and year-end financial statements, including audit file preparation, ensuring accurate, timely and compliant financial reporting from transaction to close.
- Provide high-quality financial reporting and analysis in line with statutory and internal requirements, with strong focus on accuracy, detail and control.
- Partner with the wider Finance Team to deliver consistent, commercially focused support to internal stakeholders.
- Supervise and develop junior finance staff, setting clear objectives, managing workload, and ensuring delivery against deadlines and team goals.
- Oversee key finance operations including supplier payments, payroll support, shipping documentation, and receipts and payments processes in line with compliance requirements.
- Drive effective use of finance systems to improve reporting efficiency, controls, and data integrity across the group.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across reporting, systems and financial processes.
- Provide ad hoc support to the Financial Controller on reporting, analysis and project work as required.
Profile: A successful Lead Accountant should have:
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CPA).
- Minimum 2+ years' post qualified experience in a financial or management accounting role.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, with strong Excel capability.
- Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Sound understanding of business operations, systems, processes and financial controls.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
- Proactive, adaptable and self-motivated, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Job Offer: Competitive salary ranging from £65,000 to £75,000 per annum. Permanent role in a reputable global organisation. Opportunity to lead and develop a talented accounting team. Located in the inner-northern suburbs of London, providing a chance to work in a unique and vibrant area.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Accountant to make a significant impact. If this role aligns with your skills and career aspirations, we encourage you to apply today!
Lead Accountant employer: Michael Page
Join a reputable global food production and distribution group that values excellence and quality in its operations. As a Lead Accountant, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that promotes professional growth and development, with opportunities to lead a talented team while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of inner-northern London. The company offers competitive salaries and a supportive environment that encourages continuous improvement and collaboration across teams.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Accountant
✨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 Michael Page. 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
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 Michael Page.
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 Michael Page'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 Michael Page
✨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 Michael Page.
✨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 Michael Page 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 Michael Page 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.
