At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage month-end close processes and ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- Company: Join Network Plus, an award-winning utility and infrastructure services provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full benefits package, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Inclusive environment where every employee's contribution is valued.
- Why this job: Build relationships with senior stakeholders and drive meaningful process improvements.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA) with strong analytical skills and team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 Services Group Accountant in Wigan 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 competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, we prioritise employee growth through continuous learning and development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission of delivering essential utility and infrastructure services across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Services Group Accountant in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the financial services industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching 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 examples ready that showcase your problem-solving and analytical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your continuous improvement mentality. During interviews, highlight instances where you’ve identified gaps in processes and successfully implemented changes. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to drive process improvements, which is key for the Group Accountant role.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining our team at Network Plus. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Services Group Accountant in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Accountant role. Highlight your experience with month-end processes, FRS 102 standards, and any relevant audit background. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving and analytical skills. Mention specific examples where you've successfully identified risks or implemented improvements. This will help us see your continuous improvement mentality in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while still showing your enthusiasm for the role. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Plus
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Accountant, you'll be dealing with financial data daily. Brush up on your knowledge of FRS 102 standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed month-end close processes and reconciliations.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've identified variances in reports or improved processes. Highlight your experience with variance analysis and how it has impacted decision-making in your past roles.
✨Build Relationships
This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders. During the interview, emphasise your communication skills and provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to drive process improvements. Show that you can build rapport and trust with colleagues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about accounting systems and reporting frameworks. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss any relevant software you've used. If you've led audits or managed teams, prepare to talk about those experiences and how they relate to the role.
