Accounts Controller (18-month FTC)

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Accounts Controller to join our Bertelsmann Global Business Services (BGBS) team based in Frating, Colchester on a fixed-term basis until December 2026. Supporting our Financial Accountant & Senior Financial Accountant, you will manage the end-to-end accounts receivable process and assist with general accounting tasks during month-end processes. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, grow your skills, and contribute to the financial success of our company.

Bertelsmann Global Business Services Ltd (BGBS) is an accounting shared service centre established in 2018 to provide accounting functions for Bertelsmann group companies in the UK. Comprising of a team of over 50 and based at the Penguin Random House distribution centre on the outskirts of Colchester, the group companies served by BGBS include Penguin Random House, Dorling Kindersley, BMG, Arvato SCM and Little Tiger. The services provided by BGBS include Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Banking and General Accounting (general ledger, fixed assets, tax, financial reporting etc.).

• Raising customer invoices based on accounting procedures on behalf of BGBS clients.
• Handling customer inquiries regarding invoices and resolving any discrepancies.
• Master data management – ensuring that all relevant information held for customers is up to date, in line with Bertelsmann policies.
• Allocation of cash receipts on a timely basis, ensuring that the accounts receivable ledger is accurate and up to date.
• Timely reconciliation of appropriate ledgers, following up on any discrepancies.
• Ensure the correct application of group accounting policies and controls.
• Liaise with internal teams and Compliance Accountant on any relevant internal audits.
• Assist the [Senior] Financial Accountant with monthly, quarterly and year end reporting requirements, including the posting of journals into the relevant SAP system.
• Assist the [Senior] Financial Accountant with intercompany reconciliations of debtor/creditor balances and profit and loss intercompany trading.
• Produce balance sheet reconciliations and perform timely investigations and clearance of any discrepancies.
• Deliver any other appropriate departmental tasks required within the General Accounting team under the direction of the [Senior] Financial Accountant.

• Relevant experience in Accounts Receivable/General Accounting.
• Strong IT and systems skills, including Excel & SAP.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence a wide range of people.
• Structured and disciplined in the approach to planning and organising workload.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to manage multiple deadlines, projects and workloads.
• Ability to work under own initiative without supervision.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships at a variety of levels.
• Able to consistently meet strict deadlines and to produce high quality information.
• Commercially motivated and able to challenge & probe current data and processes.

Application instructions: Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the right candidate for the role by 11:59pm on Tuesday 15th July. Circa £23,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits. While our offices across the UK are places to connect, collaborate and celebrate with colleagues, we recognise that flexibility around where you work is just as important. For this role we expect that you will work from our office in Frating, Essex, 2 days per week. There would be the expectation to work from the office more frequently during an initial training period.