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- Tasks: Join our team as a Financial Accountant, managing financial accounts and VAT returns.
- Company: We're a dynamic company focused on financial control and efficiency in Leeds.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 6-month contract with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values diversity and inclusion while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Ideal for finalists/newly qualified accountants with strong Excel and accountancy software skills.
- Other info: We support adjustments in our recruitment process to help you shine.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you have thorough knowledge of financial accounting? Are you experienced with accountancy software and Excel? Do you have experience in cross functional work to drive efficiency and financial awareness? We are seeking a Financial Accountant to join our Financial Control team on a 6-month Fixed Term Contract.
You will play a crucial role in preparing and managing the financial accounts, preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns, and coordinating the preparation and distribution of management accounts to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Executive team members.
Your Role
As a Financial Accountant, you will be instrumental in preparing and reviewing monthly flash and final management accounts, while also analysing and suggesting improvements using Business Central software to enhance efficiencies and regular reporting. You'll collaborate closely with the payroll team to ensure accuracy and compliance, manage inter-division loans and departmental postings, and work with growth and innovation to track and analyse donations, ensuring all are billed and receipt dates recorded. Your keen eye for detail will help maximize revenue by reviewing FairShare income variables and reconciling income and accruals, ensuring accrued income is billed promptly. You'll also manage debtors, assist in digitizing expenses, catalogue lease agreements, and document month-end processes for smoother handovers.
Additionally, you'll work with Finance Business Partnering teams to ensure clear variance analysis in monthly management accounts, maintain balance sheet reconciliations for key balances, and manage transactional systems and processes, supporting Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable specialists. The role involves working in cross functional teams including collaborating with the procurement team to ensure correct classification of POs and related PIs. You will also deputise for the Financial Control Manager when required. Other duties include owning the weekly update of the cashflow forecasting file, managing VAT reporting to HMRC and the preparation and submission of the annual PSA return.
About You
- Finalist/newly qualified accountant ACCA/CIMA/ACA (desirable)
- Thorough knowledge of accountancy
- Experience of providing finance business partnering to non-finance budget holders
- Expertise in the use of accounting packages and Excel spreadsheets, knowledge of MS Word and Outlook
- Experience of working to a structured month-end close timetable
- Experience of Microsoft Business central or equivalent accountancy package (desirable)
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We’re always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It’s not just about the professional experience you bring – we’re interested in who you are and your potential. If there’s an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.
Payroll Reconciliation Accountant (FTC) employer: StepChange
Contact Detail:
StepChange Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Reconciliation Accountant (FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Microsoft Business Central, as it's mentioned in the job description. If you can demonstrate your proficiency with this software during the interview, it will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of VAT reporting and compliance, as this is a key responsibility in the role. Being able to discuss recent changes in VAT regulations or share examples of how you've managed VAT returns in the past can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in cross-functional teams. Think of specific examples where you've collaborated with other departments, like procurement or payroll, to drive efficiency and improve financial processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing to discuss how you've used data to suggest improvements in financial reporting or processes. Highlight any tools or methods you've used to analyse financial data effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Reconciliation Accountant (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with financial accounting, accountancy software, and Excel. Emphasise any relevant roles where you collaborated with cross-functional teams or improved financial processes.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're interested in the Payroll Reconciliation Accountant role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your knowledge of financial accounting and your ability to work with various teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your skills related to VAT reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and month-end processes. If you have experience with Microsoft Business Central or similar software, make sure to include that as well.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Provide examples in your application that showcase your keen eye for detail, especially in areas like income reconciliation and managing financial accounts. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange
✨Showcase Your Financial Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your thorough knowledge of financial accounting during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific accounting principles and how you've applied them in previous roles, especially in relation to preparing financial accounts and VAT returns.
✨Demonstrate Software Proficiency
Since experience with accountancy software and Excel is crucial, come ready to discuss your familiarity with these tools. You might even want to mention any specific projects where you used Microsoft Business Central or similar software to enhance efficiencies.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with non-finance budget holders or other departments. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved financial awareness across teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Think of scenarios where you had to manage debtors, reconcile income, or handle month-end processes, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes.
