At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare financial reports and collaborate on strategic finance projects.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in sustainable polymers with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Transition from practice to industry with high visibility and senior exposure.
- Qualifications: ACA/CA qualified with strong IFRS knowledge and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products. At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
We are seeking a high-calibre Group Accountant to join our Group Reporting team at our Global Head Office. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent Big 4-qualified ACA (or equivalent) professional looking to make their first move into industry within a dynamic, international organisation.
As a key member of the Group Finance function, you will play an integral role in delivering high-quality financial reporting to the Board, including the preparation of monthly management accounts, interim results, and annual financial statements. You will gain significant exposure to senior stakeholders, including the Group CFO and Finance Leadership Team, while contributing to a range of finance projects and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the preparation of annual and half-year statutory reporting, including liaison with external auditors
- Assist in the delivery of monthly Group management reporting, including analysis of Head Office costs
- Conduct quarterly internal control reviews and reporting
- Collaborate with divisional and shared service finance teams to ensure compliance with Group accounting policies (IFRS)
- Provide insightful analysis and support to senior finance stakeholders
- Prepare technical accounting papers and guidance for complex accounting matters
- Contribute to ad-hoc projects, including acquisitions, disposals, forecasting, budgeting, and wider finance initiatives
Skills & Experience:
- ACA / CA (or equivalent) qualified, ideally with 1–2 years’ post-qualified experience (PQE)
- Strong grounding in IFRS and Group reporting, ideally within a multi-currency, international environment
- Background in Big 4 Audit (highly desirable)
- Advanced analytical and Excel skills with strong technical accounting awareness
- Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders
- Proactive, self-motivated, and keen to develop within a fast-paced Group environment
- Experience within manufacturing or chemicals is advantageous but not essential
Key Relationships
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, including: CFO, VP Group Finance, Senior Group Reporting Manager, Group Tax, Group Internal Audit, and Divisional Finance Leaders.
Location: Global Head Office, London (Hybrid – minimum 4 days onsite)
Why Join Us?
- Excellent opportunity to transition from practice into industry
- High visibility role with significant exposure to senior leadership
- Involvement in strategic projects and business-critical initiatives
- Collaborative and high-performing finance team environment
Global Benefits Overview
- Competitive, market-aligned compensation
- Discretionary global bonus scheme
- Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
Group Accountant employer: Synthomer
Synthomer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our Global Head Office in London. As a Group Accountant, you will benefit from high visibility within the organisation, engaging with senior leadership while contributing to strategic projects that drive our commitment to sustainability. With competitive compensation, comprehensive learning and development opportunities, and a culture that prioritises inclusion and employee wellbeing, Synthomer is dedicated to fostering your professional growth and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant
✨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 Synthomer. 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
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 Synthomer.
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 Synthomer'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 Synthomer
✨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 Synthomer.
✨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 Synthomer 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 Synthomer 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.
