Group Financial Accountant in South Shields

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced ACCA / ACA / CIMA Accounting Professional to join our growing Finance Management team as our global footprint continues to expand. This pivotal role leads all Group External Compliance and holds full control over our global balance sheet. Reporting directly to the Operational Financial Controller, you will serve as the strategic and tactical anchor for our international accounting functions - supervising a Junior Financial Accountant while representing the brand with banks, auditors and government organisations. If you possess a "right first time" attitude and the leadership bandwidth to balance long-term financial modelling with daily operational discipline, we invite you to help shape the next chapter of our story.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary owner of monthly Group accounts consolidation (P&L and balance sheets), ensuring timely reconciliation to internal management accounts.
• Take responsibility for the Group Balance Sheet, overseeing monthly reviews, enforcing robust internal controls, and spearheading issue resolution.
• Manage external compliance for Barbour Asia (Singapore) and European entities (UK, NL, IT), covering VAT returns, Audit and Corporation Tax.
• Oversee external compliance for Barbour Inc. in the USA, including sales tax, property tax, and federal tax, partnering closely with a specialist third‑party US‑based audit and tax firm.
• Manage the annual financial audit, producing statutory accounts and collaborating with external auditors.
• Assist in weekly and monthly group cashflow forecasting with rigorous variance analysis to improve modelling.
• Implement improved financial modelling for the group to enhance long‑term cashflow and balance sheet forecasting.
• Manage and develop your team through performance objectives, continuous improvement, and the delivery of key KPIs.
• Work from the Head Office in South Shields, with an expectation of 4 days in the office and 1 day of home working.

Qualifications

• ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified with a degree‑level qualification.
• Excellent understanding of financial accounting, group consolidation, and external compliance preparation.
• Experience managing multi‑currency cash flow, forecasts, and FX planning / strategies.
• System ERP super‑user expertise across accounting, external compliance and treasury functions.
• Experience dealing directly with external bodies such as HMRC and auditors.
• Proven management experience with a proactive approach to problem‑solving and the ability to work under pressure to deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to build strong relationships across all business functions.

Benefits

• Discretionary company bonus scheme
• Staff discount
• Staff shop
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days holiday as standard, increasing with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Access to training and development activities to support your career development
• Free onsite parking
• Subsidised canteen
• Operate hybrid & flexible working
• 4 pm finish on a Friday
• Wellbeing support
• Refer a friend bonus scheme
• Reward & recognition programme
• Length of service rewards

Note: In the event that a sufficient volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.