At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and provide actionable insights to drive business performance.
- Company: Universal Wolf, experts in complex metal fabrication with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Great perks including pension scheme, mental health support, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work with a supportive team.
- 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 required.
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.
Lead Accountant in Blyth employer: Universal Wolf
Contact Detail:
Universal Wolf Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Accountant in Blyth
✨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. Be ready to discuss how you've turned numbers into actionable insights in past roles. Show them you can bring structure and accuracy to their reporting cycle!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to check out our website for opportunities where you can make a real impact in financial management.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Accountant in Blyth
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. Don't be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Detail-Oriented: As a Lead Accountant, attention to detail is key. In your application, emphasise your meticulous approach to tasks like month-end accounts production and balance sheet reconciliations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their accuracy and thoroughness.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to our job description. Use the same language and keywords we’ve used, especially around financial control and reporting cycles. This shows us you understand what we're looking for and that you're genuinely interested in the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Wolf
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive business decisions in the past. This shows you can turn numbers into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Process Improvement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've improved financial processes in previous roles. Whether it’s streamlining month-end accounts or enhancing reporting accuracy, having specific instances ready will highlight your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to partner with various teams. Being able to convey your insights clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
If you have experience with IFS ERP or similar systems, make sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research on these tools and be prepared to discuss how you would adapt to using them. Showing that you're tech-savvy can give you an edge.