Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial reporting and compliance for multiple entities in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Watkin Jones, a leading developer of rental and student accommodation.
- Benefits: Discretionary bonus, health plan, 25 days leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking company and make an impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong accounting skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Watkin Jones, a market-leading developer and manager of build-to-rent and purpose-built student accommodation, is seeking a talented and detail-driven Finance Professional to join our Group Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the preparation, analysis and filing of financial information across a wide portfolio of entities within the Group for a period of 18 months.
About the Role
In this broad and hands-on role, you will take ownership of financial reporting for multiple Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and support key Group-level processes. You will work closely with colleagues across Finance, Audit, Tax and wider business teams, ensuring accurate reporting, strong financial controls and compliance with statutory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- SPV Financial Ownership
- Full responsibility for monthly SPV financials, including journal posting, cost reviews and Group reporting.
- Preparation and filing of statutory accounts and tax computations for all SPVs.
- Group Reporting & Compliance
- Support the production of the Group Annual Report and Accounts.
- Prepare and file the Group VAT return, as well as VAT submissions for SPVs outside the VAT Group.
- Complete CIS returns, ONS submissions and other required financial surveys.
- Treasury & Controls
- Manage monthly bank reconciliations and maintain oversight of CHAPs payment controls.
- Prepare and code payments in line with Group policies.
- Review Roomex invoices and credit card expenditure, ensuring accurate coding and analysis.
- Financial Management & Support
- Prepare balance sheet reconciliations across the Group.
- Act as a key point of contact for external auditors and tax advisors.
- Support ad-hoc projects for the Group Financial Controller.
- Provide occasional cover for the Sales Ledger function.
About You
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, detail-focused and equipped with strong technical accounting skills. You will be confident working across multiple entities, managing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines. You should be comfortable engaging with a range of internal and external stakeholders, proactive in your approach, and eager to learn and develop within a dynamic finance team.
What We Offer:
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, cash paid health plan, life insurance, and more.
- Professional Growth: A pivotal role within a forward-thinking organisation and the opportunity to work on diverse and exciting projects.
- Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), agile approach to work and discounted gym memberships.
- Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
About Us: Watkin Jones was established in 1791 and has been building homes since 1927. More recently, we listed on the AIM market in 2016 with a market cap of £255m (current market cap c. £550m). In FY2020 we generated gross revenue of £354m and a Gross Profit of £75.9m. Our position in the market is based on a capital light model, where we typically work with institutional forward funders. Watkin Jones success to date has been based on our emphasis on building relationships of trust, our customer focus and our forward-thinking structure. Our intention is to create the future of living, which to us means high quality rental homes, community focus and sustainably driven development.
Apply Now: If you have a passion for delivering high-quality developments and the skills to navigate complex projects from planning through completion, we want to hear from you!
Financial Accountant in Chester employer: Watkin Jones
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Watkin Jones. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical accounting skills. Be ready to discuss how you’d handle financial reporting for multiple SPVs and demonstrate your understanding of compliance and controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm for the role! When you get the chance to speak with the team, let them know why you’re excited about working at Watkin Jones and how you can contribute to their mission of creating high-quality rental homes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial reporting, compliance, and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical accounting skills, don’t shy away from showcasing them. Mention any relevant software or tools you’re proficient in, and provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you receive updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting skills. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with SPV financials, statutory accounts, and VAT submissions. Being able to talk confidently about these topics will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This role requires someone who is highly organised and detail-focused. Prepare examples from your past work where you successfully managed competing priorities and met tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your ability to stay on top of multiple tasks.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You'll be working closely with various teams, so it's crucial to show that you can engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. Think of instances where you've collaborated with auditors or tax advisors, and be prepared to discuss how you navigated those relationships to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity
Watkin Jones values a proactive approach, so come prepared with questions that show your eagerness to learn and develop within the finance team. You might ask about upcoming projects or challenges the team is facing. This not only shows your interest but also your willingness to contribute positively to the organisation.