At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily cashflow, prepare financial reports, and ensure compliance with banking agreements.
- Company: Join Wave, a leading water retailer dedicated to sustainability and customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on employee wellbeing and continuous development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a positive impact on the environment and society.
- Qualifications: Experience in cashflow management and a relevant accountancy qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 38372 - 47961 £ per year.
Location: Contractual base in Salvus House, Durham with hybrid working opportunities
Salary range: £38,372 - £47,961 (pro rata) plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 8% of annual salary
We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
ABOUT US
Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023, and celebrate the win again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.
The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave
- Bonus potential
- Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes
- Income protection scheme
- Personal accident insurance 4x salary life assurance
- Free onsite parking
- 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)
- A day off for your birthday
- Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- The option to buy holidays
- 1 day paid volunteering
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Free flu shots
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave
THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL
The Financial Control team are responsible for managing Wave’s financial control framework including the production of monthly and annual financial reports and the maintenance of a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk and enhance the accuracy of reported financial results. The team manage Wave’s external audit, tax compliance and banking relationships. The team is looking for a Financial Accountant role to manage the day-to-day treasury function encompassing daily cash management and cashflow forecasting. The role will also play a pivotal part in a small team preparing management accounts and VAT returns. The role will suit you if you have a strong controls background, management accounts preparation experience and exposure to treasury activities.
WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
- Daily working capital management, liaising with banks to ensure an efficient cash position
- Active management of Wave’s Treasury Policy and compliance with banking agreements
- Daily / weekly / monthly cashflow forecasting and reporting to meet bank and shareholder requirements
- Managing and coordinating quarterly bank audits
- Monthly management accounts and VAT return preparation
- Annual statutory accounts preparation and supporting the external audit process
WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?
- Experience in cashflow management / working capital management, working in an environment with banking arrangements / compliance requirements
- Hands on experience in financial reporting
- Knowledge of accounting principles and exposure to statutory accounts preparation
- Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency, analytical and problem-solving abilities
- An understanding and ability to implement robust processes and controls
- An accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.
BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER
Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting Recruitment@wave-utilities.co.uk.
Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.
Closing date: 4pm on 16 July 2026
Interviews are planned for w/c 3 August 2026
Wave processes your data in line with data protection laws. You can find out more by accessing our Recruitment Privacy Notice.
Financial Accountant in Durham employer: Wave Utilities
Wave is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible hybrid working options based in the scenic Durham area, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, enhanced family leave, and a commitment to sustainability. Joining Wave means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact on both the environment and society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Durham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Wave Utilities. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Wave Utilities.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Wave Utilities's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wave Utilities
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Wave Utilities.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Wave Utilities will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Wave Utilities employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
