At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance Record-to-Report processes in a global financial services environment.
- Company: Join one of the world's largest custodian banks with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Office-based role with some remote work and travel; excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with a diverse and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant R2R experience in complex organisations.
My client is one of the world's largest custodian bank and securities services companies. Businesses, communities, and global economies rely on them because they prioritise client experience, collaboration, innovation, and resilience. As the "bank of banks," their unique perspective, informed by one of the largest datasets in the world, powers the financial industry. They understand the best way to succeed at anything is to Consider Everything. Guided by values and behaviours focused on excellence, integrity, diversity, and leadership, their global team brings unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to pioneer a new generation of financial services.
They are seeking a high-calibre Senior Finance Contractor to lead and enhance end-to-end Record-to-Report (R2R) processes within a complex, global financial services environment. This is a business-critical role requiring a technically strong, commercially aware finance professional who can operate at pace, drive process improvements, and ensure robust delivery across financial reporting, controls, and regulatory compliance. The position is based at their Manchester offices, with some expensed travel to Liverpool. You will be required to be in the office 4 days a week, 1 day working from home. Standard office hours with the occasional out of hours requirement during busy periods.
Key Responsibilities
- R2R Leadership & Delivery
- Take ownership of end-to-end Record-to-Report processes, from transaction through to financial close and external reporting.
- Ensure delivery of accurate, timely financial reporting in line with local and consolidated GAAP requirements.
- Oversee and review complex journal entries, accruals, intercompany and adjustment postings.
- Ensure integrity of trial balance and general ledger activity.
- Controls, Compliance & Governance
- Lead adherence to SOX and regulatory controls, ensuring strong audit readiness at all times.
- Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audits.
- Identify control gaps and drive improvements to strengthen the control environment.
- Process Improvement & Change
- Drive continuous improvement across R2R processes, controls, and reporting frameworks.
- Support and influence ERP implementations and enhancements (e.g. PeopleSoft or similar).
- Translate technical accounting guidance into practical, scalable processes.
- Complex Accounting & Technical Application
- Apply technical accounting guidance to new, complex, or non-routine transactions.
- Support accounting treatment for one-off events, new products, or structural changes.
- Document and standardise accounting processes across business units.
- Stakeholder & Business Support
- Partner with global finance teams, process owners, and business stakeholders.
- Provide insight and clarity on financial data and reporting outputs.
- Support ad hoc analysis, investigations, and senior stakeholder requests.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA or equivalent).
- Significant experience in R2R / financial accounting within a complex organisation, ideally financial services.
- Strong knowledge of: GAAP (local and consolidated), SOX / controls frameworks.
- Proven experience across full accounting lifecycle (transaction → close → reporting).
- Advanced experience in general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close.
- Experience working in large, global or complex environments.
- ERP systems experience (Oracle preferred).
Desirable
- Background in shared services or global operating models.
- Exposure to transformation, system implementation, or process optimisation projects.
Candidates must be able to show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered. Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you.
We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.
Accountant in Manchester employer: Pontoon
As a leading custodian bank and securities services company, our Manchester office offers an inclusive work culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration. Employees benefit from competitive day rates, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to drive meaningful improvements in financial processes within a global environment. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, we empower our team to thrive while contributing to the success of the financial industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in R2R or financial services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of GAAP and SOX. We want you to be ready to showcase your expertise and how you can drive process improvements in their R2R processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure your application highlights your experience with ERP systems and complex accounting. Show them you’re the perfect fit for their global environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in R2R and financial accounting. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned. Talk about your experience with GAAP, SOX compliance, and any ERP systems you've worked with.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure your achievements stand out. We want to see what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates regarding your status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Know Your R2R Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Record-to-Report processes. Brush up on your knowledge of GAAP, SOX compliance, and the full accounting lifecycle. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've driven process improvements or tackled complex accounting issues in previous roles. This is a chance to demonstrate your ability to think critically and implement effective solutions, which is crucial for this position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you've partnered with different teams in the past. Highlight your experience in collaborating with global finance teams and how you’ve provided insights that influenced decision-making. This role requires strong stakeholder management, so showing your interpersonal skills is key.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's approach to financial reporting and their expectations for the R2R processes. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a better understanding of how you can contribute to their goals.
