Financial Accountant (Fixed Term Contract) in Leeds

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… We have an opportunity for a Financial Accountant to join our team on a fixed term basis to cover a period of maternity leave. Our Finance team is an integral part of the business, achieving best-in-class performance and control through a breadth of specialty Finance Functions. With a finance lens, we help develop, track and communicate progress on an agenda that maximises long-term shareholder value creation.

• Liaison with the external auditors for multiple entities which includes preparation of deliverables by due deadline, to a high-quality standard and responding to audit queries promptly and accurately.
• Independent preparation of annual statutory financial statements for UK companies to comply with relevant accounting framework (IFRS, FRS 101 and FRS 102) and Companies Act using software. Includes preparing the supporting documentation behind the statutory accounts, such as reconciliation from trial balance to statutory figures and the workings behind the supporting notes ready for audit.
• Assist with technical accounting queries raised by the business or by external auditors in an accurate, prompt and commercial fashion. This includes writing accounting memorandums documenting fact pattern and key judgements in reaching conclusion.
• Assisting with preparation of regional reports to stakeholders and investigating variances to budgets and forecasts.
• Identification of areas for improvement in efficiency and for accounting procedures, facilitating continuous improvement of the control environment; take responsibility for implementation.
• To carry out a variety of financial duties associated with the month end preparation and submission of the UK balance sheet, including balance sheet reconciliations. This includes undertaking process improvements to facilitate a more efficient month end process.
• Supporting the team to ensure compliance with overseas branch, tax and reporting requirements for international branches; progressing branch closures and resolution of outstanding in-country legislative matters.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Part qualified/qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA)
• Good working knowledge of IFRS
• The ability to work independently while also being a team player
• Project management experience
• A proactive mindset and confidence in managing deadlines

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

#WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.