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- Tasks: Join us as a Senior Accountant to manage financial reporting and support the Chief Accountant.
- Company: The Port of London Authority oversees the tidal Thames, ensuring safety and promoting trade.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, medical cash plan, generous pension, and more perks!
- Why this job: Be part of a vital organization that impacts the environment and trade while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or in a team.
- Other info: This role is based in Gravesend, Kent, and requires UK residency for employment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 90000 £ per year.
Job title: Senior Accountant
Department: Finance
Reporting to: Chief Accountant
Grade: 3
Salary: £75,097 per annum
Base: Gravesend, Kent
Closing date: 27 March 2025
Interview date: 3 April 2025
Who we are:
The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.
The role:
We are looking for a Senior Accountant to provide secure, accurate and timely management and statutory accounting information to support the Chief Accountant.
Role responsibilities:
- Prepare the PLA Management Accounts and the associated variance analyses for the Chief Accountant, to enable monitoring and measurement of actual performance against budget, allowing for prompt remedial action to be taken as required.
- Manage the preparation of the quarterly financial forecasts for the Chief Accountant.
- Manage the capital projects budget, plans and reviews for the Chief Accountant.
- Deputise for Chief Accountant as required.
Assistance to the Chief Accountant
- Assist with producing the PLA annual financial statements including liaising with external auditors to ensure an unqualified audit opinion is achieved.
- Assist in preparation of the annual tax computation, including capital allowances & R&D.
- Assist in the preparation of long-term plans.
- Assist in co-ordinating office procedures for the recording, production and flow of financial accounting information to comply with statutory, PLA, ISO & HMRC requirements.
- Assist in developing, implementing, maintaining and reviewing accounting procedures and computerised systems to ensure the requirements of Boards, Management and statute can be met and are sufficiently robust so as to ensure business continuity.
- Assist in devising, implementing, maintaining and reviewing secure procedures and systems for all financial disciplines, in order to safeguard the revenues of the PLA, prevent fraud and error and maximise the interest return on investments.
- Assist in the coordination of workflow, mentoring, training and developing of Finance staff to achieve an efficient and motivated workforce capable of meeting the planned workload of the department and ensuring Business Continuity.
Financial Services
- Monitor and reconcile the recording of financial information in the computerised accounting systems, to ensure accurate bookkeeping records are maintained.
- Examine recorded financial information and liaise with allocated department managers in order to assess and determine departmental prepayments, accruals and provisions.
- Interpret, analyse, review and check accuracy and integrity of information before input to the computerised accounting systems, for use as a basis for the construction of the annual budget.
What we are looking for:
You will have:
- Excellent communication skills, with ability to build and maintain positive relationships with senior managers.
- Attention to detail and strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
Benefits package:
- 30 days annual leave
- Medical Cash Plan (Bupa)
- Generous pension
- Onsite parking with electric charging
- Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Access to MyGymDiscounts
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Angela Jeffrey on 07711640131 or
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK , therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Accountant employer: Port of London Authority
Contact Detail:
Port of London Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific financial regulations and standards that apply to the Port of London Authority. Understanding these will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing financial forecasts and budgets, especially in a similar environment. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed capital projects or improved financial processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Since communication is key for this role, practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain financial concepts to non-financial managers, so showcasing your ability to do this can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Port of London Authority's recent projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their current operations and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Accountant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your previous accounting experience, particularly in management and statutory accounting. Mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and prepare financial statements.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with senior managers or collaborated with teams in your past positions.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of the job. Mention your attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team, aligning your qualifications with what the Port of London Authority is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of London Authority
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you should be well-versed in financial metrics and accounting principles. Be prepared to discuss your experience with management accounts, variance analyses, and financial forecasts. Highlight specific examples where your insights led to improved financial performance.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this role. Prepare to showcase how you've built relationships with senior managers and collaborated with teams. Use examples that illustrate your ability to convey complex financial information clearly and effectively.
✨Showcase Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in accounting. Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in financial reporting and compliance with statutory requirements. Mention any systems or procedures you've implemented to enhance accuracy and prevent errors.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of situations where you had to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines or adapt to changes in financial regulations. Share how you approached these challenges successfully.
