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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and provide insights to drive business performance.
- Company: Universal Wolf, experts in complex metal fabrication with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Pension scheme, health support, 25 days holiday, and birthday off.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Combine your accounting skills with real business impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification or working towards one, strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Do you thrive on turning numbers into clear, actionable insight that drives business performance? Can you bring structure, accuracy, and pace to financial reporting, while partnering with teams across the business to support decision-making?
At Universal Wolf, we are experts in complex metal fabrication. We build long-term partnerships with demanding customers who share our ambition to take on the toughest challenges.
Purpose of position
We are looking for a proactive and detail-focused Lead Accountant to take ownership of our reporting cycle and provide high-quality financial insight to support operational and strategic goals. In this role, you will play a key part in ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of management information, while supporting both the Operations team and Group Finance Function with analysis, reporting, and project work. As Lead Accountant, you will be central to maintaining strong financial control, improving processes, and ensuring the business has the information it needs to perform at its best.
What You’ll Do:
- Take ownership of the month-end accounts production and reporting cycle
- Prepare and post monthly journals, including prepayments and accruals
- Produce accurate and timely management accounts in line with reporting deadlines
- Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations
- Deliver monthly flash reports and weekly KPIs with a strong focus on accuracy
- Oversee accounts payable, including review and sign-off of payment runs
- Manage accounts receivable, identifying and mitigating any risk areas
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns and support audit deliverables, working with external advisors
- Play an active role in preparing the payroll and sending to the 3rd party provider
- Work with systems including IFS ERP and MRP tools for costing and reporting
We’d love you to have:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or be working towards one
- Experience in a relevant industry environment
- Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems (IFS experience is a plus)
- A highly organised and structured approach to work
- Excellent attention to detail
- The ability to meet tight reporting deadlines
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders
Great benefits:
- Financial Wellbeing: Pension Exchange, Savings Scheme, Introduce a Colleague (get up to £1000!), discretionary Colleague Bonus
- Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA), Discounted gym membership, Bike to Work scheme
- Work life balance: 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays (pro rata), Annual Leave Purchasing Scheme, plus your birthday off
If you’re looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise with real business impact, this could be the opportunity for you.
Locations
Lead Accountant in Blyth, Northumberland employer: Universal Wolf
Contact Detail:
Universal Wolf Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Accountant in Blyth, Northumberland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Lead Accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial reporting skills and understanding the specific needs of the company. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around accuracy and timely reporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply through job boards; head over to our website and submit your application directly. This shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and highlighting a key point from your conversation can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Accountant in Blyth, Northumberland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Numbers Game: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience with financial reporting and analysis. We want to see how you've turned numbers into actionable insights in your previous roles.
Be Detail-Oriented: As a Lead Accountant, attention to detail is key. Use your application to showcase specific examples where your meticulous nature has led to improved processes or accurate reporting. We love a good success story!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that match our job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Wolf
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Master the Tools
Familiarise yourself with financial systems like IFS ERP and MRP tools. If you have experience with these, be prepared to discuss specific instances where you leveraged these tools for costing and reporting. If not, do some research to show your willingness to learn.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
In this role, accuracy is key. Be ready to talk about how you ensure precision in your work, especially when it comes to month-end accounts and balance sheet reconciliations. Consider sharing a time when your attention to detail made a significant impact.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for collaborating with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to partner effectively across the business.