Finance Accountant (Temporary) in London

We are seeking a temporary Financial Accountant who has both corporate financial accounting experience and also used SAP in previous roles. This is an immediate 3 month contract currently through to the end of 2026 to provide cover. Based in Central London with hybrid, but candidates should be available to commute into London at least 2-3 days per week.

What we are looking for:

• Some relevant experience (e.g. less than 3 years) in financial accounting, financial reporting or external audit.
• Proven experience supporting period-end close activities and balance sheet control processes, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of financial information.

Technical Skills:

• Good understanding of financial reporting standards (IFRS/UK GAAP), external reporting requirements and financial controls.
• Good understanding of general ledger accounting, financial close and consolidation processes.
• Working knowledge of ERPs, experience in S/4 HANA is considered an asset.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify key accounting risks and issues.
• Ability to translate technical accounting matters into clear, practical insight and recommendations for Finance stakeholders and internal decision-making requirements.
• Experience using financial reporting, data analytics and reporting tools (e.g. advanced Excel, Power BI or equivalent) to support financial accounting, balance sheet control and financial analysis.

Personal Attributes:

• Detail-oriented and organised, with strong attention to accuracy and a commitment to high-quality financial accounting and control.
• Collaborative and proactive, with the ability to work effectively across teams, build positive working relationships and contribute to shared objectives.
• Well organised and delivery focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively within a deadline-driven environment.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline, or qualified by experience.
• Progress towards a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent financial qualification.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting external audits, preparing information for external and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience in an upstream energy or other asset-led environment.
• Experience using data analytics, visualisation and AI-enabled tools to enhance financial analysis, reporting, improve insight generation and support decision making.

Overview:

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting the Group’s financial accounting activities, helping to ensure the integrity of financial records and the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of period-end close, consolidation and financial accounting processes. The role contributes to balance sheet control activities and supports the reliability and robustness of the Group’s financial accounting framework. The role supports the Financial Accounting Lead and wider Finance teams in maintaining a strong financial control environment through the application of effective accounting processes, robust controls and consistent financial accounting practices. Working closely with stakeholders across Finance, the role contributes to the delivery of high-quality financial information, supports period-end close activities and assists with balance sheet reconciliation, review and control processes. Requires a good understanding of financial accounting, SAP period close and consolidation processes together with the ability to operate effectively within a complex corporate environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, a proactive approach to problem solving and a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring financial accounting activities are delivered accurately, efficiently and in accordance with required standards.

Main Tasks:

• System Capabilities: Experience of SAP S/4Hana and Fiori Apps. Familiarity with posting journals and running reports in SAP.
• Technical Accounting & Compliance: Support the application of the Group's technical accounting policies and guidance, ensuring accounting treatments are applied consistently and in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Period-End Close & Balance Sheet Control: Execute the Group period-end close process, ensuring financial accounting activities, including consolidation and reporting are completed accurately and in line with agreed timetables. Support the preparation of complex and judgement journals for accruals, provisions and other complex matters in collaboration with External Reporting. Support the preparation of intercompany reconciliations and eliminations for the complex group as part of the consolidation process. Supports balance sheet integrity through effective reconciliations, controls and reviews, ensuring accruals, provisions and other key balances accurately reflect underlying business activity. Operate key financial accounting and balance sheet controls in line with the Group control framework. Support continuous improvement in Financial Control & Reporting, including, reporting, process, data quality and ways of working, leveraging data analytics, automation and AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
• Corporate Costs & Cross-Functional Support: Support the review and analysis of the Corporate costs incurred and prepare the required journals supported by the Business Planning team and other stakeholders as required. Support the Business Planning team to prepare variance analysis, budgets and forecasts for Corporate costs. Support the Revenue Accounting processes to calculate revenue and generate sales invoices during peak periods as required.
• Audit Support & Continuous Process Improvement: Prepare audit schedules, supporting accurate and timely analysis and documentation to assist with internal and external audit requirements. Assist in gathering, validating and reconciling financial information required for period-end close, balance sheet control and audit activities.