Financial Accountant (6-Month Contract) in Oxford

Oxford Nanopore is seeking an Interim Financial Accountant to join the Finance team in Oxford on a 6-month contract. Reporting to the Head of Group Reporting & Financial Operations, this is a hands-on individual contributor role focused on maintaining accurate entity-level accounts, ensuring continuity of financial control and reporting, and supporting statutory and month-end processes across multiple UK and overseas subsidiaries.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end month-end close for assigned subsidiaries, including posting journals and delivering accurate trial balances to Group Reporting deadlines.
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations and resolve discrepancies promptly to maintain strong internal controls.
• Compile first-draft statutory accounts and audit schedules for covered entities, coordinating with external auditors to ensure smooth and timely audits.
• Ensure all entity transactions comply with IFRS and ONT accounting policies, liaising with Technical Accounting for guidance on complex or unusual entries.
• Provide clear variance analysis and explanations to support consolidated reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure audit-ready documentation.
• Support process continuity, keeping documentation accurate and up to date.
• Contribute to process improvements where appropriate, including efficiency, automation, and standardisation initiatives.
• Work closely with Group Reporting, AP/AR teams, overseas bookkeepers, and Finance Business Partners to resolve issues and provide information, supporting a seamless record-to-report process.
• Document process changes and produce a comprehensive handover report to facilitate a smooth transition when the permanent manager returns.

Skills & Experience Required

• ACA, ACCA (or equivalent) qualified, or finalist / near-qualified.
• Proven experience managing month-end close and producing full accounts for legal entities, including statutory financial statements and audit support.
• Solid technical accounting knowledge (IFRS) and general ledger controls.
• High proficiency in Excel and experience using a major ERP system such as D365.
• Excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, well-organised, and able to work independently to deadlines.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Quick to learn new systems and processes.

Desirable

• Top ten accounting practice training or experience in a similar group finance environment.
• Experience within a multinational or shared services finance environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Blackline.
• Continuous improvement mindset and flexibility to adapt during the cover period.

Please note that no terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate on the grounds of a person's gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation. Every candidate will be assessed only in accordance with their merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the duties of the job.