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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage accounting and financial reporting for property costs across divisions.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a trusted global brand with over 230 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and a company pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in finance and property management.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with 3+ years of experience.
- Other info: Experience with IFRS 16 and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Property Accountant
Based; Greenbridge, Swindon
Grade; D+
Salary; competitive plus car allowance
The Role
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth.
We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Property Accountant to join our Finance team at our Support Centre in Swindon.
The main purpose of a Senior Property Accountant is to take responsibility for the accurate accounting and financial reporting of occupation costs for the High Street and International divisions. You will also be responsible for the Group IFRS 16 reporting for all divisions within the business. Reporting into the Head of Property & Capital Accounting, you will be an integral part of the property finance team.
What you will be doing
- Managing the monthly accounting process and reporting, on both an IFRS 16 and IAS 17 basis, including a full reconciliation of the property balance sheet.
- Monthly reconciliations of the occupation costs for both the high street and international divisions, with a drive on standardisation.
- Accounting and reporting of lease contracts under IFRS 16 across the group, using the lease accounting software – MRI Prolease. Including keeping the MRI database up to date with lease changes.
- Budgeting/forecasting for leases and other occupation costs under IFRS 16 and IAS 17.
- Overseeing day-to-day tasks within the property accounting team, with line management responsibility.
- Acting as a centre of excellence for the Group on lease accounting and IFRS 16 accounting matters, looking for areas of improvement and standardisation.
- Producing the half-yearly statutory group reconciliations for IFRS16 and lead on the audit queries raised by the external auditors.
- Providing information to aid the interim and full year IFRS 16 disclosures for both Group and subsidiary statutory accounts.
- An MRI Prolease super-user, responsible for the training of any new MRI users and administration of the system.
What we are looking for
- ACA, ACCA, CIMA qualified accountant with at least 3 years post qualified experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of IFRS 16.
- A good understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP, including knowledge of statutory accounts and relevant disclosures.
- The ability to work effectively and efficiently when managing conflicting and tight deadlines.
- Good communication skills, able to engage with business units directly to influence decisions.
- Excellent analytical skills and good double entry essential, as well as strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.
How we reward our teams
- Hybrid working model from home and in the office.
- 4pm Friday finish.
- Flexible Working.
- 25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
- Family friendly leave.
- Company Pension Scheme.
- Sharesave Scheme.
- Annual Bonus based on company and Personal Performance.
- Private Medical.
- Staff discount card for stores and online.
About us
Celebrating over 230 years, we\’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we\’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
WHSmith have occupied our place as the Hub of the High Street and in our customers\’ hearts since 1792. Across our diverse estate of c.525 stores on UK high streets, with our wide-ranging store sizes and formats, we sell a large range of products including stationery, greeting cards, art and craft, newspapers, magazines, books and drinks. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.
WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Property Accountant employer: WH Smith
Contact Detail:
WH Smith Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Property Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to familiarize yourself with IFRS 16 and its implications for lease accounting. Understanding the nuances of this standard will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your expertise in a key area of the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with MRI Prolease or similar lease accounting software. If you have any specific examples of how you've used such tools to improve processes or reporting, be ready to discuss them.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your analytical skills by discussing past projects where you managed tight deadlines and conflicting priorities. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment like WHSmith.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the company's values and culture. Research WHSmith's history and their commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Property Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Property Accountant position. Highlight key responsibilities and required qualifications, such as knowledge of IFRS 16 and experience with lease accounting.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasize your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, and any specific experience you have with IFRS 16 and property accounting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background in finance and accounting makes you a great fit for WHSmith, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in the past.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in accounting.
How to prepare for a job interview at WH Smith
✨Showcase Your IFRS 16 Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your understanding of IFRS 16 during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in relation to lease accounting and financial reporting.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills, particularly in managing complex financial data and reconciliations. Discuss how you approach problem-solving and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you've engaged with different business units to influence decisions and drive improvements.
✨Familiarize Yourself with MRI Prolease
If you have experience with MRI Prolease, be sure to mention it. If not, do some research on the software and be prepared to discuss how you would quickly become proficient in it, as it's a crucial part of the role.
