Financial Accountant

What You'll Be Responsible For

This is a critical role within the finance function, assisting the financial reporting team in all aspects of statutory financial reporting for the whole group. As one of the technical accounting specialists, you will ensure that our external reporting reflects a true and fair view of performance, while proactively seeking beneficial application of the IFRS accounting framework for all group entities. Additionally, you will assist in the implementation of new applicable IFRS accounting standards with support from seniors in the financial reporting team.

Key responsibilities include:

1. High-Quality External Financial Reporting: Delivering timely and accurate external financial reporting, including bi-annual investor reports, interim accounts, and annual accounts for all group entities.
2. Internal Reports for Audit Committee: Providing a suite of internal reports to support accounting judgements and performance analysis, including analytical reviews, judgement papers, and annual reviews of accounting policies.
3. Compliance with Statutory Reporting Requirements: Ensuring that financial systems and processes comply with all relevant statutory reporting requirements.
4. Timetable Coordination: Developing and coordinating the timetable for producing all group statutory accounts, liaising with external auditors and ensuring regulatory reporting alignment.
5. Technical Specialist Role: Providing in-depth knowledge of IFRS, advising on new standards and interpretations, and offering guidance to finance and other business areas.
6. Best Practice Reviews: Conducting best practice reviews in key areas such as leakage expenditure, fixed asset accounting, and revenue recognition to ensure technical compliance with IFRS and regulatory guidelines.

Who You'll Work With

Internal:

• Financial Reporting Manager (Direct Line Manager)
• Controls and Regulatory Manager
• Management Accountants
• Treasury
• Company Secretariat
• Internal Audit

External:

• External Auditors
• Financial Stakeholders (e.g., Rating Agencies, Banks, Bondholders)
• Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ofwat)
• Other External Agencies (e.g., ONS)

About You

Qualifications:

• Part-qualified/qualified ACA/ACCA or equivalent

Experience:

• Essential: 3+ years in statutory IFRS accounts preparation and/or audit and preparing financial reports for external use.
• Desirable: Competent user of SAP for general ledger interrogation and generating accounting reports.

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills
• Effective communication with a broad range of stakeholders
• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 33 days annual leave (including public holidays)
• Variable pay schemes
• Enhanced employer pension contributions (up to 11%)
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Progression opportunities with funded training
• Discounts on gym memberships and high street shopping
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts at visitor attraction centres and gift shops
• Car-leasing scheme
• Health CashBack scheme
• Employee assistance programme for employees and their families
• Colleague matched fundraising scheme (up to £500 per year for your chosen charity)