At a Glance
- Tasks: Take ownership of financial processes and deliver accurate reporting in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer with a high-performing finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to influence key financial processes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting finance projects.
- 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 40000 - 50000 £ 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 (Accountancy 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 within a fast-paced, multinational environment. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, 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 (Accountancy 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 challenges, especially in manufacturing. 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 pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with management accounting and costing. We suggest you highlight specific examples where you’ve driven improvements or influenced processes. Make it clear that you thrive in fast-paced environments!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounts Senior / Practice Accountant (Accountancy in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Accounts Senior. 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 match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver accurate reporting and manage financial controls. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our finance team. Make it personal and engaging – we love to see your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Pharma
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Accounts Senior, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed P&L, balance sheets, and reconciliations in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also drive improvements.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in management accounting and costing. Think about challenges you faced in a fast-paced environment and how you overcame them. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about financial controls, WIP, and costing processes. Make sure you can explain these concepts clearly and relate them to the role. If you have experience with ERP systems or data visualisation tools, be prepared to discuss how you've used them effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
