Group Financial Accountant

Group Financial Accountant

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Peabody Trust

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver high-quality financial reporting and support year-end processes.
  • Company: Join Peabody, a values-driven organisation focused on inclusivity and empowerment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days holiday, flexible benefits, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to continuous improvement and excellent service.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: CCAB qualified with experience in statutory accounts and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Are you a qualified accountant with a passion for statutory reporting? If so, this opportunity at Peabody could be the perfect next step in your career.

As a Group Financial Accountant, you'll play an essential role within the Group Financial Control team, supporting the delivery of high-quality financial reporting across the organisation. You'll ensure the accuracy and integrity of accounting records, lead on subsidiary statutory reporting, and support a successful year‑end process, including liaising closely with external auditors. You’ll act as a trusted partner to finance leaders across the Group, providing first‑class accounting support, insightful analysis, and technical expertise, while continuously driving improvements in processes and controls.

What you'll do

  • Deliver accurate and high‑quality accounting records for Peabody's subsidiaries and external reporting requirements.
  • Prepare timely statutory accounts for Group subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with FRS 102.
  • Produce entity reports with clear analysis and commentary on movements and variances.
  • Have responsibility for the monthly balance sheet review process, ensuring integrity of the General Ledger.
  • Support and review work of the Finance Analyst and Finance Assistant, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery.
  • Collaborate with wider Finance teams to ensure strong financial controls and effective processes.
  • Prepare audit working papers and support the year‑end audit process, including managing auditor relationships and requests.
  • Analyse financial data to identify risks, opportunities, and key drivers impacting performance.
  • Complete monthly trial balance and associated checks, including preparation of month‑end journals (e.g., payroll).
  • Deliver statutory and regulatory reporting (e.g., NROSH and Office for National Statistics).
  • Review and challenge existing controls, identifying opportunities to strengthen risk mitigation and improve processes.
  • Maintain finance systems master data and optimise the chart of accounts for effective reporting.
  • Provide support on ad‑hoc finance queries and act as an internal consultant on technical accounting matters.
  • Deputise and support broader team activities as required.

What you'll need

  • You're a detail‑oriented and proactive finance professional, with strong technical grounding and a passion for delivering high‑quality financial reporting.
  • You're adaptable, collaborative and able to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • You're also a confident communicator who can translate complex financial information for a range of stakeholders.
  • A CCAB (or equivalent) qualification, with post‑qualification experience.
  • Experience preparing statutory accounts and strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS 102.
  • Advanced analytical skills, including investigating variances and identifying unusual transactions.
  • Experience preparing and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines, particularly during year‑end.
  • Advanced Excel and Word skills.
  • Experience with accounting systems (Sun Systems desirable) and finance systems.
  • A commitment to strong financial controls, continuous improvement, and delivering excellent service aligned to Peabody's values.

What We Offer

  • Up to 30 days' annual holiday, plus bank holidays.
  • Two additional paid volunteering days each year.
  • Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal.
  • 4 x salary life assurance.
  • Up to 10% pension contribution.
  • Professional development and opportunities to broaden your experience.

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you're joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

Please read before applying

You must have the right to work in the UK; we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Our Assessment Process

Our fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment process includes an online assessment and a in person interview at our Westminster Bridge Road office on the 14th or 15th July.

If you have any questions about this role, please email Talent Specialist, Charlene at charlene.moore@peabody.org.uk.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Group Financial Accountant employer: Peabody Trust

Peabody is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering up to 30 days of annual leave, flexible benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Located in the vibrant area of Westminster, our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and supports employees in delivering high-quality financial reporting while ensuring a strong work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that values kindness, integrity, and continuous improvement, making a meaningful impact in the community.

Peabody Trust

Contact Details:

Peabody Trust Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Financial Accountant

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

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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 Peabody Trust. 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 Group Financial Accountant

Statutory Reporting
FRS 102
Financial Analysis
Balance Sheet Reconciliation
Advanced Excel Skills
Accounting Systems Knowledge
Financial Controls

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 Peabody Trust.

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 Peabody Trust'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 Peabody Trust

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 Peabody Trust.

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 Peabody Trust 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 Peabody Trust 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.