Financial Accountant in Birmingham

Financial Accountant in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our finance team to manage financial records and ensure compliance.
  • Company: National Express, a leader in transport with a strong safety record.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a solid pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be at the heart of finance, making a real impact on our operations.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 3 years' experience in financial accounting.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.

As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.

Are you a detail oriented finance pro who loves bringing order to complex numbers? National Express Bus is on the lookout for a Financial Accountant to join our dedicated finance team.

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will play a vital role in maintaining our financial records, ensuring strict statutory compliance, and delivering accurate, reliable reporting. From month end procedures and cash flow forecasting to managing audit requirements and outsourced transactional teams, you will be right at the center of our finance team

What you will actually be doing

  • Master the Close: Deliver robust month end closing procedures, prepare financial statements, and post closing balances with a sharp eye for accuracy.
  • Manage Cash Flow & Group Submissions: Prepare weekly 13 week cash flow forecasts for Group Treasury alongside budget and forecast balance sheets.
  • Reconciliation & Fixed Assets: Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage the fixed asset register, including IFRS16 adjustments and asset disposals.
  • Statutory Accounts & Audit: Prepare statutory accounts and consolidations across Bus entities, delivering external audit requirements in tandem with the wider team.
  • Transactional Oversight: Optimize and manage our transactional processing functions across AP, AR, cash, and banking.
  • Tax & Process Documentation: Compile data for tax returns, maintain technical process notes, and spot continuous improvement opportunities.

What we need from you

  • Professional Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). Part qualified candidates actively pursuing completion within a reasonable timeframe will also be considered.
  • Relevant Experience: At least 3 years in a similar financial accounting role, ideally with exposure to large data sets and complex finance environments.
  • Technical & Standards Knowledge: Solid understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.
  • Analytical Skills: Excellent problem solving capabilities, strong systems proficiency, and the ability to simplify data into clear information.
  • Great Mindset: Outstanding communication skills, a collaborative team player approach, and a good sense of humor. Industry experience or a background in finance change projects is a bonus!

The perks of joining us

  • We look after our people with benefits that make a genuine difference:
  • Free Travel: Free bus travel right across the National Express network for you.
  • Travel for a Plus One: Complimentary travel pass for your partner.
  • Peace of Mind: Solid company pension scheme and life assurance.
  • Wellbeing Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.

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Financial Accountant in Birmingham employer: National Express Bus

At National Express, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Financial Accountant, you will benefit from free travel across our extensive network, a solid pension scheme, and access to wellbeing support, all while being part of a collaborative team that values your contributions. With opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, National Express is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.

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Contact Details:

National Express Bus Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Birmingham

✨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 National Express Bus. 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 Financial Accountant in Birmingham

Attention to Detail
Financial Reporting
Month End Closing Procedures
Cash Flow Forecasting
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Fixed Asset Management
Statutory Accounts Preparation

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 National Express Bus.

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 National Express Bus'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 National Express Bus

✨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 National Express Bus.

✨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 National Express Bus 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 National Express Bus 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.