At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and control improvements while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a top employer known for connectivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy Bupa healthcare, generous holiday, and exclusive discounts on services.
- Other info: Flexible-first culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial integrity in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong technical knowledge and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity for an Accounting Control Manager to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of Virgin Media O2’s financial reporting and control environment. Working within the Accounting, Reporting & Control (ARC) team, you’ll help ensure accurate, compliant and efficient reporting across a complex and evolving business. This is a highly visible position that offers the opportunity to influence key processes, strengthen governance frameworks and support strategic business change.
You will lead risk assessment and control improvement activities, working closely with finance, technology, audit and business stakeholders. From supporting major system implementations and remediation programmes to driving simplification initiatives and enhancing the control framework, you’ll help shape a robust reporting environment while building strong relationships across the organisation. This role offers broad exposure to senior stakeholders and the chance to develop deep insight into how the business operates.
Who we are
At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage. We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys. Join us and you’ll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other.
We’re investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places. You’ll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you’re looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you’ll feel right at home here.
We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person. That doesn’t just mean time in the office – it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count – so when we come together, it benefits everyone.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all
We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business. Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported.
When you work with us, you’ll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.
Qualifications:
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CPA or CIMA) or equivalent relevant commercial experience
- Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS and SOx
- Internal or external audit background
- Experience assessing financial reporting risks and control frameworks
- Strong attention to detail
- Practice-trained accounting background
- Experience supporting system migrations or major finance transformation projects
- Exposure to IT General Controls (ITGCs)
- Experience working with external auditors and regulatory compliance requirements
- Experience driving process simplification and continuous improvement initiatives
We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday – plus your birthday off. And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.
Accounting Control Manager - 12 months FTC in Reading employer: Virgin Media O2
Virgin Media O2 is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, flexible working options, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, the company supports your professional growth while allowing you to lead impactful PR campaigns that resonate with audiences. Join us in a vibrant environment that values innovation and meaningful storytelling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accounting Control Manager - 12 months FTC in Reading
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Virgin Media O2.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Virgin Media O2 might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Accounting Control Manager - 12 months FTC in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Virgin Media O2 will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Virgin Media O2. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Virgin Media O2 confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Virgin Media O2.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Virgin Media O2 that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
