At a Glance
- Tasks: Support month-end close, manage accounts, and provide financial insights.
- Company: Join Santen, a global leader in eye health with 130 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and employee empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on eye health while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years finance experience, AAT qualified, SAP knowledge preferred.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
Santen is a specialized company with a proud 130-year heritage focused exclusively on eye health. Our mission is to provide essential and significant value to patients and society through our products and services created from our expertise in ophthalmology and from the patient’s perspective. For our UK office, we are looking for a Lead Accountant to join the team in St. Albans.
What you will do:
- Support month-end close activities, partnering with outsourced finance providers to ensure timely, accurate reporting and robust balance sheet reconciliations.
- Serve as a key contact for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, expense management, purchase-to-pay processes, and credit control activities, helping optimise cash collection and working capital.
- Support VAT, statutory audit, and compliance requirements while ensuring adherence to internal controls, financial policies, and governance standards.
- Partner with Sales, Marketing, HR, and other business functions to monitor costs, provide budget visibility, and deliver meaningful financial insights.
- Prepare variance analysis, management reports, and performance dashboards to support operational decision-making and business performance tracking.
- Contribute to monthly performance reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes, supporting the delivery of financial objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement through process optimisation, automation, data quality enhancements, finance transformation initiatives, and cross-functional finance projects across the region.
What you will bring to the role:
- 2–4 years of finance experience with strong knowledge of month-end close processes, balance sheet reconciliations, and core accounting principles.
- Hands-on experience with SAP; Power BI skills are advantageous.
- Experience within the pharmaceutical, medical device, or biotechnology industry is preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
- AAT Qualified.
Ready to make a difference? Apply today and help us shape the future of eye health.
What we offer:
- Competitive Salary: A market-aligned base salary starting from 46576 – 64043, depending on experience and location.
A career at Santen is an opportunity to make a difference. We aspire to contribute to the realization of “Happiness with Vision” by providing eye health products and services to patients, consumers, and medical professionals around the world. At Santen, we believe in empowering all our team members with flexible ways of working and a highly inclusive work environment. The Santen Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building diverse teams and ensuring a safe and inclusive physical and virtual workplace for every one of our team members. If you require any kind of accommodation during our recruitment process, please let the recruiter from our team know.
Lead, Accountant (UK and Ireland) employer: Santen Pharmaceutical Co.
Santen is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of eye health while working in a supportive and inclusive environment in St. Albans. With a commitment to employee growth, Santen provides competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a culture that values diversity and innovation, ensuring that every team member can thrive and make a meaningful impact in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead, Accountant (UK and Ireland)
✨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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co.. 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 Lead, Accountant (UK and Ireland)
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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co..
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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co.'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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co.
✨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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co..
✨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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co. 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 Santen Pharmaceutical Co. 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.
