At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage group accounts, bookkeeping, and month-end processes for diverse retail entities.
- Company: Well-established retail group based in Central London with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 10% bonus, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a four-day office week and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in a respected retail organisation.
- Qualifications: ACA/CA/ACCA qualified with experience in group audits and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
SRM Recruitment are delighted to be supporting a well-established medium-sized to large-cap retail client in the appointment of a Group Accountant to join its Central London head office team. Our client has a four-day-per-week office-based working arrangement.
This role is targeted at an ACA/CA/ACCA looking to make a first move from a larger practice firm; the Big 4 would be ideal but candidates with a broad portfolio of clients and some exposure to group audits outside of the Big 4 will be actively considered too.
Key responsibilities:
- Ownership for a portfolio of group entities, taking responsibility for the day-to-day bookkeeping and handling key month end processes within them such as balance sheet reconciliations, P&L cost centre analysis, production of management accounts as well as the budgeting and forecasting cycles.
- Actively liaise with other divisional finance teams to support consistency, and quality of monthly reporting along with intercompany mismatch resolution.
- Contribute towards preparation of the quarterly group board packs.
- Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts of UK subsidiaries in accordance with FRS 102, and their group accounts in accordance with IFRS.
- Provide support throughout the Group consolidation process.
- Partner with treasury, prepare analysis on interest and FX swaps and make postings in the system.
You will be/have:
- An ACA, CA or ACCA-qualified accountant currently working within a larger accountancy practice (not necessarily a Big Four firm), with experience of group audits and, ideally, responsibility for a broad and diverse client portfolio.
- Well versed in FRS102 and IFRS experience.
- Proactive team player who is keen to learn, reliable and confident.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail and analytical mindset.
Salary range: £60-65,000 + 10% bonus + benefits.
Our client is a highly regarded and diversified retail group with offices in Central London. The role operates within a hybrid working environment, with an expectation of four days per week in the office.
Group Accountant (retail) employer: SRM Recruitment
At SRM Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Hitchin. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development opportunities and a flexible working environment that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant (retail)
✨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 SRM Recruitment. 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 Accountant (retail)
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 SRM Recruitment.
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 SRM Recruitment'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 SRM Recruitment
✨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 SRM Recruitment.
✨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 SRM Recruitment 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 SRM Recruitment 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.