At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to manage financial reporting and enhance efficiency in accounting processes.
- Company: Dynamic finance team committed to high-quality outcomes and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Amazing pension, free travel, discounts, and 24/7 virtual GP service.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and personal development in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial accounting and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for a Financial & Tax Accountant to join us on a 12 month contract to play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, maintaining robust balance sheet controls, and supporting statutory and tax compliance activities. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, this role contributes valuable financial analysis, supports process improvements, and helps enhance the efficiency and automation of reporting practices. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively, values continuous learning and improvement, and is committed to delivering high-quality financial outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage financial accounting activities, including preparing journals, maintaining balance sheet controls, and completing balance sheet reconciliations in line with accounting standards and policies.
- Prepare and deliver accurate internal and external financial reporting, building effective relationships with key stakeholders and supporting reporting requirements.
- Support the production of statutory accounts, technical accounting papers, and audit activities, including responding to queries from external auditors.
- Produce management and board reporting, including variance analysis on balance sheet, cash flow, and debtor movements, providing insight to support decision-making.
- Contribute to tax and compliance activities, enhance financial controls, and identify opportunities to improve processes, increase automation, and drive operational efficiency.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with experience in financial accounting and reporting.
- Technical knowledge of IFRS and balance sheet accounting, with the ability to apply accounting standards in both year-end reporting and day-to-day activities.
- Experience of identifying, developing, and implementing improvements to financial processes, controls, and financial modelling tools.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and explain financial information to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
- Organised and methodical approach to work, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to effectively prioritise workload and meet recurring deadlines.
To ensure continuity and an effective delivery of service, successful candidates will be required to commit to a minimum 14-month period in role after achieving competence. This also includes existing colleagues who move by internal promotions and transfers. This time allows our future colleagues to support personal career development by allowing time to build strong knowledge and expertise.
Benefits
- A defined benefit pension from day 1 – one of the best in the UK.
- Free travel on all London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway services for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 75% off all other train operating companies for you, your spouse/partner, and dependents.
- 8 Friends and Family Day passes to gift per annum on our network.
- A 24/7 Virtual GP service for you and your household.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)- A confidential employee benefit that supports you with personal or work-related issues affecting your home life, work life, health, or wellbeing.
- Our cycle to work scheme with Evans Cycles.
- A retail discount portal- offering savings, discounts and cashback at over 800 retailers and restaurants.
Financial & Tax Accountant in Birmingham employer: WM Trains
As a Carriage Cleaner Supervisor at our Worcester depot, you will join a company that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong focus on safety and compliance, we offer a supportive work culture where your leadership skills can thrive, alongside excellent benefits such as a defined benefit pension, free travel for you and your family, and access to a 24/7 Virtual GP service. Our commitment to your development ensures that you will have the opportunity to build expertise and advance your career in a meaningful way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial & Tax Accountant in Birmingham
✨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 WM Trains.
✨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 WM Trains 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 Financial & Tax Accountant in Birmingham
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 WM Trains 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 WM Trains. 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 WM Trains confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Trains
✨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 WM Trains.
✨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 WM Trains 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.
