At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK accounting operations and shape practices across Europe.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Watlow, driving financial governance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and international exposure.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for process improvement and automation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on finance transformation across Europe.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in international financial environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Senior Accounting Manager to take ownership of our UK accounting operations while playing a key role in shaping and standardizing accounting practices across Europe. This is a high-impact, senior-level position with a clear progression path. Initially focused on leading a complex UK accounting landscape, the role will evolve into a broader European leadership position, driving consistency, policy alignment, and best practices across multiple jurisdictions. You will operate at the intersection of local statutory requirements and global corporate policy, acting as a key partner to European finance teams.
What You’ll Do:
- Provide oversight of end-to-end finance operations (AP, AR, Payroll, Credit Control)
- Lead and progressively expand ownership of the technical accounting close process across Europe, driving best practices
- Oversee tax compliance (UK & Ireland) in coordination with external advisors
- Lead monthly close and statutory reporting processes for the UK
- Ensure full compliance with UK GAAP and UK tax regulations
- Oversee multi-entity consolidation and complex accounting structures
- Manage external audits and relationships with auditors and advisors
- Review and adapt corporate accounting policies for European applicability
- Provide oversight and guidance to regional finance teams
- Drive standardisation, process improvement, and automation across finance functions
- Partner with FP&A, Treasury, and operational teams on key financial matters
- Contribute to finance transformation initiatives and strategic projects
What You’ll Need To Succeed:
- Degree qualified in Finance, Accounting or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in financial accounting and reporting within an international environment
- Experience managing statutory reporting, audits, and compliance in complex environments
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across regions
- Strong analytical capability and ability to interpret and challenge financial data
- Proficiency in Excel and experience working with ERP systems
- Fluent in English
Nice to Have:
- Experience in multi-entity or international organisations
- Exposure to European accounting environments
- Background in manufacturing, industrial, or similarly complex sectors
- Experience working in matrix organisations
Why Join Watlow’s Team:
- Regional impact & visibility – play a key role in shaping financial governance and consistency across Europe
- Transformation journey – contribute to ongoing finance modernisation, process improvement, and automation initiatives
- Collaborative international environment – work across the UK, Europe, and Shared Services, gaining broad exposure and career development opportunities
Senior Accounting Manager in Worthing employer: Watlow
Contact Detail:
Watlow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accounting Manager in Worthing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in international environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK GAAP and tax regulations. We want you to shine when discussing how you can drive best practices across Europe!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Be ready to interpret financial data and discuss how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. This is your chance to impress!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accounting Manager in Worthing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Accounting Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial accounting and reporting, especially in international environments. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven best practices or improved processes in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position and our company.
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 don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watlow
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accounting Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial accounting and reporting. Brush up on UK GAAP and tax regulations, and be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex accounting landscapes in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading teams and influencing stakeholders across regions. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in multi-entity environments. Highlight your experience in driving standardisation and process improvements.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into technical accounting processes, such as the monthly close and statutory reporting. Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of the technical accounting close process and be prepared to discuss how you would implement best practices across Europe.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Watlow values collaboration and transformation. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a collaborative international environment and your approach to finance modernisation initiatives. Show enthusiasm for working cross-functionally and your adaptability in a matrix organisation.