At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting, analysis, and support for key stakeholders in a dynamic banking environment.
- Company: Join an international bank located in the vibrant West End of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with exposure to senior management.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable insights into banking operations while enhancing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with financial services experience or audit background.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Sterling Williams are working alongside an international Bank based in the West End of London who are looking to hire a Financial & Product Accountant on a 2 year Fixed Term Contract (initially). This will suit a newly or 1-5 year Post Qualified Accountant, or Auditor looking to make a move into a Bank.
Salary circa £60 - 65,000 pa plus benefits. West End of London based; 4 days per week in the office with 1 from home.
An accounting professional performing both Financial (50%), Management accounting (30%) and Treasury (20%). This role is critical in the production of financial information for key stakeholders, both internally and externally. While the team progresses through a period of transition with the introduction of a new GL, the Team needs a person who has the skills and personality that can add value, and make improvements, whilst at the same time can deliver excellent service level to the other departments within the bank. This is an all-rounder position and will provide the post holder a good insight into running a bank and the required financial control framework. There will be lots of exposure to both the Executive and Non-Executive teams.
Responsibilities:
- Integrity of the Banks General Ledger (Oracle).
- Provision of accurate financial information which will require a good understanding of accounting basics: pre-payments, accruals, financial instruments and the accounting concepts of revenue recognition.
- Preparation of the month end Management accounts providing analysis of performance against budget. This includes the MI pack to both ALCO and EXCO. Briefing the CFO on major variances and investigating movements where required.
- Production of the Daily Reporting (Daily Liquidity Returns, NSFR, Daily Capital Asset Ratio, Large Exposures). A candidate with this experience will be at an advantage but we can provide full training which would clearly be beneficial for an individual looking to expand their marketable experience.
- Being part of the team in the production or review of the Daily Profit and Loss and Daily Balance Sheet.
- Working as part of the team to produce the Financial/Statutory accounts and respond to requests from the external auditors.
- To assist with the production of the Annual Budget process. Ensuring a good audit trail of all assumptions.
- Preparation of the quarterly VAT return, in accordance with the PESM agreed with the HMRC.
- Assist with the Corporation Tax returns, and preparation of the quarterly Corporation Tax payment.
- Preparation of Balance Sheet reconciliations monthly. This includes the maintenance of accruals and prepayments working schedules.
- It is a requirement to have provable experience in dealing and responding to both external and internal audit questions. This experience could come from working as an auditor in a large practice. During the application process candidates will need to demonstrate how they have managed the timely management of closing audit points across the business not just in Finance.
- Assist in the Preparation of Pillar 2, and quantitative input for the ICAAP and ILAAP documents as required.
- Ad hoc reporting and analysis as required and directed by the Head of Financial Control or Deputy.
- Support the Regulatory reporting team with their BAU work as required.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:
- A qualified accountant CIMA/ACCA/ACAFinancial Services experience with a broking or banking background preferable. This knowledge could be gained from auditing FS entities.
- Due to the level of training provided, this role would suit an individual from an audit firm with complex FS experience wishing to move into banking.
- Exposure to accounting for fixed interest financial instruments or a key willingness to learn if knowledge is only at a theoretical level.
- An individual who takes a strong pride in their work with a focus on delivering to required deadlines. The ability to manage their time is critical over numerous demands from internal customers.
- Strong computer skills - excellent working knowledge of Excel, and Power Point. Ability of creating presentations of complex financial information in a graphic form.
- Proven ability in English in respect of written and verbal communication. Able to provide examples of communications on drafting accounting papers, new business reviews and answering director questions.
- Oracle Flexcube knowledge desirable.
- Ideally some knowledge and overview of regulatory reporting.
- Great interpersonal skills, and experience of working with senior management.
Financial & Product Accountant employer: Sterling Williams
Sterling Williams offers an exceptional opportunity for Financial & Product Accountants to thrive in the dynamic environment of an international bank located in the vibrant West End of London. With a competitive salary and benefits package, employees enjoy a flexible work arrangement of four days in the office and one day from home, fostering a healthy work-life balance. The company prioritises professional growth, providing extensive training and exposure to senior management, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial & Product Accountant
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Sterling Williams.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
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Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Sterling Williams might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial & Product Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Sterling Williams will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Sterling Williams. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Sterling Williams confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sterling Williams
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Sterling Williams.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Sterling Williams that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
