At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide technical accounting support and manage stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Zopa, a pioneering bank redefining finance with a people-first approach.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid role with a vibrant culture that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team shaping the future of banking and finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial services and strong IFRS knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
London Finance - Finance /Employee - Permanent /Hybrid Our Story Hello there.
We started our journey back in 2005, building the first ever peer-to-peer lending company.
Fast forward to 2020 and we launched Zopa Bank.
A bank that listens to what our customers don’t like about finance and does the opposite.
We’re redefining what it feels like to work in finance.
Our vision for a new era of banking puts people front and centre — we’ve built a business that empowers everyone to aim high, every day, to move finance forward.
Follow us on Instagram @zopalife We are looking for a Senior Technical Accountant to join our growing Finance function, reporting to the Head of Technical Accounting.
You’ll provide technical accounting support for ongoing business activities, new products and other initiatives, and play a key part in the Technical Accounting team’s work, from accounting policy assessments to horizon scanning, audit engagement and the annual report.
The demands on the Finance team are high as Zopa grows at pace, so you’ll need to build effective and influential relationships within Finance and the wider business.
Our team are self-starting problem solvers who are agile and thrive on bringing past experiences and networks to a diverse range of challenges.
A day in the life Carry out technical accounting assessments for new transactions, products, significant contracts and other business initiatives, and draft clear accounting papers and memos.
Play a key part in the Technical Accounting team’s ownership of the annual report and accounts, drafting parts of the report and coordinating other sections written by teams across Finance and the wider business, and helping to bring them together into the final report.
Manage stakeholders effectively and work well with other Zopa teams, including Product, Legal, Treasury and Risk, building strong, influential relationships and giving clear, practical technical accounting advice.
Support the development, implementation and upkeep of accounting policies and the accounting manual and give practical guidance on how policies should be applied across the business.
Help put new accounting treatments into practice: make sure finance systems and processes are set up to support new activities, embed them into business-as-usual (BAU) processes and hand them over to the BAU teams.
Support the technical accounting for balance sheet activity, including SPPI testing and hedge accounting assessments and documentation under IAS 39 and IFRS 9.
Work directly with the external auditors on accounting policy and technical accounting matters, answering queries and providing evidence and papers.
Carry out horizon scanning of new and proposed legislation, regulation and accounting standards that affect financial and corporate reporting, prepare impact assessments, and highlight high-impact or high-risk changes.
Help shape and deliver our work to automate the production of the annual report, an area where this role will be fundamental.
Look for ways to use AI and automation to improve technical accounting, policy and reporting processes, and put them into practice.
Keep up to date with developments in financial and corporate reporting.
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.
Experience of working in the financial services sector (ideally banking or consumer finance), or trained at a top six accountancy firm with financial services experience in a technical accounting role.
Solid working knowledge of IFRS and how it applies to financial services products and transactions.
Clear written communication, with experience of drafting technical accounting papers or memos and explaining complex accounting to non-accountants.
You’ll show great initiative to listen, analyse, research, investigate and provide solutions to problems relating to financial accounting and reporting.
Comfortable managing several pieces of work at once in a fast-moving environment, and building trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Motivated, energetic and passionate about excellence and innovation.
Bonus points for Technical knowledge of IFRS 9 (expected credit losses, EIR), hedge accounting (IFRS 9 and IAS 39), IFRS 2 (share-based payments), and IAS 38 (intangible assets).
Experience of operational accounting. #LI-LK1At Zopa we value flexible ways of working.
We value face-to-face collaboration and a good work-life balance.
This hybrid role requires you to come to our London office 2-3 days a week.
Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture for our people.
As a proud partner of Jobs 2030, we're committed to building AI fluency across our workforce, and we expect Zopians to use AI as part of how they do their jobs.
Your Talent Partner will let you know what's expected at each stage.
Senior Accountant - Banking in London employer: Zopa
Zopa is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to take ownership of their roles in shaping data privacy strategies. With a strong focus on professional development, team members benefit from growth opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry experts in a vibrant London setting. The hybrid work model enhances work-life balance, making Zopa a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment in the field of data privacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Banking in London
✨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 Zopa. 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 Senior Accountant - Banking in London
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 Zopa.
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 Zopa'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 Zopa
✨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 Zopa.
✨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 Zopa 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 Zopa 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.
