At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage month-end close processes and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: Join Network Plus, a leading provider of essential utility services in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full benefits package, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Inclusive environment where every contribution is valued and celebrated.
- Why this job: Build relationships with senior stakeholders and drive meaningful process improvements.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in large businesses.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Group Accountant to join our Group Finance team. You will be responsible for managing the overall month end close process, this includes ensuring all month end tasks are completed by the wider team, accounting is aligned to FRS 102 standards and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations. You will also be responsible for analysis and reconciliations between the monthly and weekly reporting outputs of the group and understanding and presenting this analysis to the wider business and SLT. This role provides a great opportunity to build relationships with senior stakeholders across the business and drive process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the month end close tasks are completed within the agreed reporting deadline
- Ensure accounting entries are in line with latest FRS 102 accounting standards, and implementing new processes where gaps are identified
- Be a point of contact for audit requests and queries
- Produce variance analysis between the weekly reporting outputs and monthly management accounts, and working with the commercial finance team to reduce variances identified
- Identify and manage risks and opportunities in reported results
- Prepare and own the Finance Risk Register, working with other finance departments to identify risks and mitigating controls
- Own the month end balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all are completed within agreed deadlines and review of certain reconciliations
- Support ad hoc projects as designated
- Proactively identify improvements (through root cause analysis), making recommendations and successfully implementing new ways of working gaining the full support of stakeholders and colleagues alike
Experience and Qualifications
- Qualified (ACA / CIMA / ACCA or equivalent)
- Preferred background in audit or experience working in a large business with robust controls and adherence to reporting deadlines
- Previous experience managing or coaching team members desirable
- Intermediate / advanced Excel, PowerPoint and Word
- Excellent understanding and working knowledge of accounting and reporting systems, applicable legislation and the statutory and regulatory framework
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- A continuous improvement mentality with the ability to challenge existing processes
- Strong knowledge of Financial Reporting Standards and other developments within global accounting practices and the ability to apply within the company
Salary and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package. Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.
About Network Plus: Network Plus is an award-winning business delivering essential utility and infrastructure services for the UK's major providers of gas, power, telecoms, transport, water, and wastewater. We value the variety of experience, perspective, and other points of difference our workforce, clients, and supply chain offer. We are actively working with colleagues across the Network Plus Group to develop an inclusive environment – we want all our employees to feel valued and included to enable everyone to thrive at work and understand the value of their contribution matters no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.
Financial Accountant / Group Accountant employer: Network Plus
Network Plus is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, providing employees with the opportunity to engage with senior stakeholders and drive meaningful process improvements. With a commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered to thrive in their roles. Located at the heart of the UK's utility and infrastructure sector, working with us means being part of a diverse team dedicated to delivering essential services while celebrating individual contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant / Group Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the finance industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it's a big exam. Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! In your conversations, highlight specific examples of how you've tackled financial challenges or improved processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and continuous improvement mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Network Plus.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant / Group Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t just send a generic CV! We love it when applicants tailor their documents to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the Group Accountant role. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and we’ll be able to track your application more efficiently. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Plus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you’ll need to be on top of your game with FRS 102 standards. Brush up on these regulations before the interview and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the standards but can also implement them effectively.
✨Master the Month-End Close Process
Be prepared to talk about your experience with month-end close processes. Think of specific examples where you ensured deadlines were met or improved efficiency. Highlighting your ability to manage this process will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role involves variance analysis and risk management, so come equipped with examples of how you've tackled similar challenges. Discuss any tools or methods you used to analyse data and present findings to stakeholders, as this will show your analytical prowess.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Since the job requires collaboration with senior stakeholders, think of instances where you successfully built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share how you communicated complex financial information clearly and effectively, which is key to driving process improvements.
