Senior Financial Accountant: Statutory & Audit Champion in Bath

About Us

Stone King is an ambitious and purpose-driven firm. Our collaborative culture and core values are intertwined with our ethos of doing the right thing by our clients, communities, and our people. Our passion for the sectors we work in and the purpose-driven work we do with our clients has resulted in SK being recognised as national leaders in our specialist fields across the country.

The opportunity

This is a strong opportunity for an individual looking to progress their career within Stone King's respected Finance Team. The role is a senior technical financial accounting position, with broad responsibility for the integrity of the firm's financial records, delivery of accurate and timely management accounts, and leadership of statutory accounting and audit processes for the LLP. Sitting at the heart of the firm's financial governance, the role provides clear ownership of financial accounting standards, balance sheet discipline and audit readiness, setting the tone for strong control, compliance and consistency across the finance function, with a focus on disciplined execution rather than commercial or advisory activity. The role will be based in our Bath office with hybrid working available.

Reasons to apply

• Opportunity to gain invaluable experience across our Finance Team, you'll have the opportunity to work closely with our specialists across the firm.
• To be part of an ambitious and collaborative national firm where our culture and values are at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe our people are our greatest asset and strive to create the best place to work.
• Excellent benefits for our people, with a focus on wellbeing and development at the forefront.
• Hybrid working – Stone King is a signatory of the Mindful Business Charter as part of our commitment to mental health and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Accounting, Reporting and controls
  • Own the general ledger, ensuring accurate, timely and well‑controlled postings.
  • Prepare and review month end journals including accruals, prepayments, depreciation, partner adjustments, and other month‑end entries.
  • Collaborate with working capital teams (billing, credit control, cashiering) to validate financial data.
  • Produce accurate monthly management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, variance analysis, KPIs and commentary.
  • Produce monthly operating statements for fee earning teams.
  • Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring audit‑ready documentation.
  • Investigate and resolve discrepancies to protect data integrity.
• Statutory Accounts & Audit
  • Support preparation of annual LLP statutory accounts, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and legal‑sector requirements.
  • Prepare year‑end audit files, lead schedules, reconciliations, and respond to audit queries.
  • Act as first point of contact for external auditors on technical accounting and to coordinate audit deliverables, schedules, and supporting analysis.
  • Support tax information preparation for auditors and advisors.
• Oversight of transactional Finance
  • Day‑to‑day oversight of Accounts Payable and the Assistant Management Accountant.
  • Ensure supplier invoices are accurately coded, approved and processed in line with policy.
  • Monitor aged payables and support effective cashflow management.
  • Review payment runs and ensure a strong audit trail.
  • Maintain ledger discipline across AP, cash and journals.
  • Centrally manage contracts in line with procurement policy, ensuring consistent compliance, risk control and best practice.
  • Guide the Assistant Management Accountant on month‑end responsibilities and develop their technical skills.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
  • Support annual budgeting alongside business support teams.
  • Contribute to rolling forecasts from a cost perspective.
• Financial Governance & Compliance
  • Support the Head of Finance in maintaining strong internal control frameworks.
  • Ensure compliance with VAT, AML‑related financial processes and relevant legislation.
  • Identify control weaknesses and lead practical improvements.
• Systems & process improvement
  • Support finance systems integrity (e.g. PMS, finance systems and reporting tools).
  • Drive incremental improvements in month‑end, AP and ledger processes.
  • Act as a technical finance input into system change and upgrades.

Requirements

• Essential
  • Part‑or fully‑qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
  • Strong financial accounting and month end experience
  • Experience supporting statutory accounts and audit preparation
  • Confidence owning balance sheet control and reconciliations
  • Experience supervising or coaching junior team members
  • Strong Excel and financial systems capability
  • Ability to build effective relationships across the firm to influence best practice
  • Understanding of VAT legislation and AML regulations
• Desirable
  • Experience in a law firm or professional services environment
  • Experience with Elite, Aderant or similar PMS
  • Experience strengthening financial controls or audit processes

Personal Attributes

• Detail‑driven, disciplined and outcomes‑focused
• Comfortable challenging poor data or weak processes
• Calm, methodical and audit‑credible
• Collaborative but clear on ownership and accountability
• Proactive mindset toward continuous improvement
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and confidence to challenge constructively and offer alternative approaches
• Solutions focused approach with drive to improve processes and outcomes
• Strong organisation skills, taking full ownership of tasks and ensuring delivery within agreed deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and influence decision‑making effectively
• Adaptable approach in managing workload and supporting others
• Ability to work collaboratively and team‑first attitude

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Individual differences are embraced at Stone King, and we strive to create an environment in which people feel supported and able to be themselves. We are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment that supports the growth and development for all. We are proud to be signatories of the Mindful Business Charter, the Race Fairness Commitment, and the Age Friendly Employer Pledge, and we are a Disability Confident Employer. Stone King LLP is committed to offering an interview to any job applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role as defined by the job description and person specification.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Profit Share Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life assurance (4 x salary)
• Pension scheme
• 31 days holiday (in addition to statutory UK holidays)
• Additional day allocated for CSR activities per annum

Closing date 29 May 2026

Stone King LLP is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity by encouraging all our staff to achieve their full potential and guaranteeing that all employment decisions are taken without reference to irrelevant information or discriminatory practices.