At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage site P&L, prepare financial reports, and support operational teams with insights.
- Company: Join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation near Livingston.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing team and influence financial processes.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified accountant with management accounting experience.
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.
Financial Accountant and Senior Financial Accountants in Livingston employer: Planet Pharma
At Planet Pharma, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our finance team near Livingston is not only integral to our operations but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their career. With a commitment to maintaining a strong financial control environment and delivering high-quality insights, we empower our employees to take ownership of their roles while enjoying the benefits of working within a supportive and fast-paced multinational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant and Senior Financial Accountants 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 genuinely interested in their operations and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to management accounting and financial controls. 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 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 Financial Accountant and Senior Financial Accountants in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior 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 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, so we get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
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 a Financial Accountant, you'll need to be on top of your game with numbers. 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 concepts but can apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
The role involves driving improvements in financial processes. Prepare examples of how you've identified inefficiencies in past positions and implemented changes that led to better reporting or cost savings. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to influence positive change.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to financial controls or month-end close processes. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. It’s a great way to showcase your analytical abilities and how you handle pressure.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ERP Systems
Since experience with ERP systems is advantageous, make sure you know the basics of any systems you've used. If you have experience with specific tools, be prepared to discuss how they helped you manage financial data and reporting. This will show you're tech-savvy and ready to hit the ground running.
