At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of financial processes and deliver accurate reporting in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation with a strong finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence key financial processes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial operations and drive improvements in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified accountant with management accounting experience, ideally in pharma or manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Planet Pharma are working with a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation who are seeking a Senior Accountant to join its established finance team near Livingston. This is a key hire within a small, high‑performing team, created to support continued growth and increasing corporate reporting demands. The role offers broad exposure across site operations, manufacturing finance, and global reporting, with the opportunity to influence processes and drive improvements. The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring the site maintains a strong financial control environment, delivering accurate and timely reporting, and supporting operational teams with high‑quality financial insight. This position suits someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, multinational environment and enjoys taking ownership of end‑to‑end finance processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Ownership of site P&L, including accruals, prepayments, and month‑end close
- Preparation of balance sheet reconciliations and maintenance of financial controls
- Management of manufacturing accounting, including WIP, costing, and cost rolls
- Delivery of management reporting, budget comparisons, sales analysis, and departmental cost reporting
- Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual corporate reporting packs for global headquarters
- Oversight of Accounts Payable, including coordination with shared service teams
- Completion of bank reconciliations and support for internal and external audits
- Reporting on departmental spend and supporting operational stakeholders
- Contribution to ad hoc finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives
About You
You will be a qualified or part‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong experience in management accounting and costing, ideally gained within pharmaceutical, manufacturing, or FMCG environments. You bring a solid understanding of financial controls, WIP and costing processes, and have experience working within a fast‑paced month‑end cycle. You will be confident preparing corporate reporting packs, comfortable working cross‑functionally, and able to manage competing deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail. Advanced Excel skills are essential, and experience with ERP systems or data visualisation tools is advantageous.
We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Accounts Senior practice accountant in Livingston employer: Planet Pharma
Join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation near Livingston, where you will be part of a dynamic finance team dedicated to driving growth and enhancing financial processes. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values employee development, offering opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced, multinational environment. With a focus on innovation and excellence, this role not only provides exposure to diverse financial operations but also supports your career advancement in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounts Senior practice accountant in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and pharmaceutical sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial processes and recent news. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can bring valuable insights to their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to management accounting and costing. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Senior practice accountant in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Accounts Senior practice accountant. Highlight your experience in management accounting and costing, especially if you've worked in pharmaceutical or manufacturing environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this fast-paced role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced processes and driven improvements in previous positions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Excel Skills:Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this position, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have. Whether it's creating complex spreadsheets or using data visualisation tools, let us know how you’ve used these skills to deliver accurate reporting.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Pharma
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Senior practice accountant, you'll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss your experience with P&L ownership, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end close processes. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also handle them under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your management accounting and costing experience. Talk about how you've contributed to financial controls or improved processes in a fast-paced environment. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a similar setting at the new company.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your proficiency. You might even want to mention any specific functions or tools you’ve used in previous jobs. If you have experience with ERP systems or data visualisation tools, make sure to bring that up too!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Ask about their financial reporting processes, how they handle cross-functional collaboration, or what continuous improvement initiatives they have in place. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
