Chief Accountant in Reading

Chief Accountant in Reading

Reading Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage accounting, deliver financial reports, and ensure compliance in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Join ZEN.COM, a smart financial app revolutionising personal finance management.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, remote work options, and a competitive salary.
  • Why this job: Shape the finance function and grow into a leadership role in an international business.
  • Qualifications: CCAB qualified with strong experience in financial reporting and team management.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with clear career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

ZEN.COM is a smart financial app designed for your everyday life – at home and on the go. We make payments, online shopping, and personal finance management fast, secure, and effortless. With ZEN, you can enjoy cashback on purchases, full control over your spending, and peace of mind thanks to purchase protection. A built‑in multi‑currency account lets you spend abroad or shop internationally with great exchange rates and no hidden fees.

We are seeking a Senior Financial Reporting Accountant to join ZEN.COM and play a key role in strengthening our finance function. This position is ideal for an ambitious, technically strong accountant who is ready to grow into a Financial Controller / Chief Accountant role. You will be responsible for managing day‑to‑day accounting, delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, and ensuring robust internal controls and compliance. You’ll also partner closely with product teams on new launches and support the CFO with statutory and audit requirements.

Key Responsibilities
  • Manage and oversee bookkeeping, accounting schemes, and reconciliations.
  • Deliver accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
  • Lead and support a small finance team, ensuring strong processes and controls.
  • Oversee payroll, expenses, intercompany accounting, and foreign currency transactions.
  • Support annual statutory accounts preparation and external audit.
  • Ensure compliance with VAT, corporation tax, and regulatory reporting.
  • Develop and implement finance policies and procedures across the business.
About You Essential Skills & Experience
  • CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with strong post‑qualification experience.
  • Solid knowledge of UK GAAP and statutory reporting.
  • Experience managing external audits and consolidated accounts.
  • Strong financial analysis and problem‑solving skills.
  • Advanced Excel skills; proficient in Outlook and Word.
  • Proven ability to manage and develop a finance team.
  • Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
  • Experience in financial services or international organisations.
  • Exposure to multi‑currency accounting.
  • Experience with new system implementation and/or remote team training.
Personal Qualities
  • Detail‑oriented, organised, and proactive.
  • Strong team player with the ability to work independently.
  • Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across different cultures and time zones.
  • Customer‑service focus and alignment with ZEN’s mission and values.
Why Work for Us
  • International exposure — work with colleagues and partners across multiple countries.
  • Flexible hours — balance work and life effectively.
  • Remote work options — the freedom to work where you are most productive.
  • Growth opportunities — clear career progression, including the path to Financial Controller / Chief Accountant.
What We Offer
  • A clear progression path to Financial Controller / Chief Accountant.
  • Opportunity to shape the finance function in a growing international business.
  • Collaborative, supportive team environment.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you are a qualified accountant looking for your next step towards leadership, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and grow your career with ZEN.COM.

Chief Accountant in Reading employer: ZEN.COM

ZEN.COM is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, perfect for ambitious accountants looking to advance their careers. With international exposure, flexible working hours, and remote work options, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while enjoying clear pathways for growth into leadership roles. Join us to shape the finance function in a rapidly growing business and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to innovation in personal finance management.
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Contact Detail:

ZEN.COM Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work at ZEN.COM or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on UK GAAP and statutory reporting. We want to see that you know your stuff! Practise answering common questions and think of examples that showcase your problem-solving skills.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your Excel skills! Bring along some examples of how you've used advanced Excel functions in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your technical prowess and make you stand out as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the ZEN team and contributing to our mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant in Reading

CCAB qualified
UK GAAP
Statutory Reporting
External Audit Management
Consolidated Accounts
Financial Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Advanced Excel Skills
Outlook Proficiency
Word Proficiency
Team Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Multi-Currency Accounting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your CCAB qualification, financial reporting experience, and any leadership roles you've had in finance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for ZEN.COM. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams or improved financial processes in your previous roles.

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong financial analysis and advanced Excel skills, don’t forget to mention any relevant software or tools you’ve used. We want to see how tech-savvy you are!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ZEN.COM.

How to prepare for a job interview at ZEN.COM

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and compliance. Brush up on UK GAAP and statutory reporting standards before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed audits or consolidated accounts in the past.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role involves leading a small finance team, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in managing and developing others. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to foster strong processes and controls within a team setting.

✨Be Ready for Technical Questions

Expect questions that test your financial analysis and problem-solving skills. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with complex accounting scenarios, especially those involving multi-currency transactions or VAT compliance.

✨Align with ZEN's Values

ZEN.COM values customer service and adaptability. Research the company culture and be prepared to discuss how your personal qualities align with their mission. Show enthusiasm for working in an international environment and your flexibility in adapting to different cultures.

Chief Accountant in Reading
ZEN.COM
Location: Reading

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