Senior Financial Accountant

Senior Financial Accountant

Contract: Controls, Risk and Transformation

Location: London, E14 9SH

Hours of work: 37.5

Contract Type: Permanent

As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will be part of the UK&I Controlling function - a high-performing team team encompassing controls and assurance, financial reporting, and accounting services.

This role focuses on balance sheet control as well as income statement management and analysis, with a strong emphasis on financial risk mitigation and standardisation across the finance function.

Job Description

You will work closely with the Business Unit Controller to identify and implement process and procedural improvements, driving efficiencies in cost management while ensuring a robust internal control environment. This includes completing Controls Self-Assessments, ensuring control procedures are adhered to, and actively updating the controls framework when processes change.

The role requires a strong ability to anticipate finance-related needs, proactively communicate with stakeholders, and deliver value-added financial services to Account Leadership and customers that align with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Controls & Reporting

• Review balance sheet reconciliations to ensure compliance with UK&I reconciliation requirements, driving accuracy in financial reporting by ensuring all reviewer recommendations are implemented.
• Take ownership of external audits, Group and UK&I internal audits, and Financial Controls & Assurance reviews.
• Manage an accurate and efficient month-end close cycle for all allocated accounts.
• Oversee month-end close tasks including calculation, review, and processing of accruals, prepayments, and revenue transactions across customer contracts.
• Investigate and explain variances from forecasts.

Operational Finance

• Review overdue accounts receivable and trade working capital reports, taking corrective action where required.
• Run and review open purchase order reports weekly, keeping aged POs to a minimum.
• Support Key Account Managers/Directors in business reviews and assist Finance Business Partners with customer reporting.
• Oversee balance sheet control activities, ensuring completeness and accuracy of prepayments, accruals, fixed assets, contract receivables, and provisions.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Partner with the Business Unit Controller to implement efficiency improvements and best practices across the finance function.
• Drive standardisation of processes to enhance accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Take a proactive role in updating and refining the internal controls framework in response to procedural changes.

Professional and Personal Competencies/Qualifications

• ACA, CIMA, ACCA (qualified) or equivalent, or qualification by relevant experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven analytical ability to interpret and convey complex financial information clearly.
• Sound judgement and strong decision-making skills.
• Exceptional organisation, planning, and time management abilities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Resilience under pressure and confidence to challenge the status quo.