At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting, consolidation, and technical accounting in a dynamic media environment.
- Company: Join Reach, the largest commercial news publisher in Britain and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, bonus schemes, and flexible working policies.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique story.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a modern media organisation while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA/ACCA with strong accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Company Description
About us
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day. We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star. It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do. We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore. We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Consolidation: Support the month-end close, half-year, and year-end processes. You’ll assist in preparing consolidated group financial statements and drafting subsidiary statutory accounts in line with GAAP/IFRS.
- Technical Accounting Ownership: Take the lead on key accounting areas including revenue recognition, properties, provisions, and IFRS 16 leases.
- Controls & Governance: Maintain robust internal controls and reconciliations (including intercompany balances). You'll also get hands-on exposure to UK Corporate Governance and UK SOX processes.
- Audit & Stakeholder Management: Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, preparing financial schedules for management accounts and the Annual Report.
- Business Partnering: Work closely with local finance teams and management accountants to ensure consistent accounting policies across the Group, providing technical guidance where needed.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Experience
- Fully Qualified: ACA / ACCA (or equivalent) with 1–2 years of post-qualified experience.
- Core Accounting: Strong background in preparing/reviewing financial statements and supporting the month-end close process.
- Technical Exposure: Practical experience working with accounting policies, guidelines, and liaising directly with external auditors.
Skills & Attributes
- Technical Expertise: Robust knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and UK BEIS regulations.
- Analytical Mindset: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to dissect complex financial data and spot trends.
- Communication & Collaboration: Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and translate complex financial information for non-finance stakeholders.
- Organisation: Strong time-management skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, delegate effectively, and manage deadlines.
Additional Information
How we'll look after you
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
- 25 days holiday as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
- An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
- Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!).
- Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
- Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
- Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression.
- A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
- Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
- Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
- Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
- Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.
If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying. We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work. Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.
Group Financial Accountant in London employer: Reach
At Reach, we pride ourselves on being more than just a media organisation; we are a community that values diversity and fosters growth. With a supportive work culture, generous benefits including extra leave for significant life events and volunteer opportunities, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions matter and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Accountant in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Reach. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Accountant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Reach.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Reach's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reach
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Reach.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Reach will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Reach employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
