The Financial Accountant is a key member of the group financial reporting team with responsibility for assisting with the monthly accounting cycle, including ownership over P&L and balance sheet lines and the production of relevant and meaningful analysis, commentary and reconciliations around their areas of reporting.
They will also contribute to the ongoing management and improvement of the finance function, with the completion of ad-hoc tasks and projects to streamline processes, improve quality & consistency of reporting and make controls more robust.
The role will require liaising with other departments and external contacts to ensure accuracy and quality of reporting and the ability to effectively communicate and co-ordinate with individuals of varying seniority and financial acumen.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. To take ownership of balance sheet and P&L accounts and assume responsibility for financial reporting and operational queries relating to those areas.
2. Provide insightful and meaningful commentary around P&L variances to budget and prior month/year.
3. Prepare accurate balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis in a timely manner.
4. Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
5. Be willing and able to challenge and manage the stakeholders in areas on responsibility and ensure accounting standards are adhered to, while having due regard for motivations of other departments.
6. Support with month-end and year-end close processes.
7. Liaise with and support other teams within the finance function (sales ledger, purchase ledger, reconciliations, FP&A) to resolve queries, drive efficiencies and add value.
8. Support development of best practice.
9. Support with interim and year-end audit queries around areas of responsibility.
10. Suggest process and control changes to drive continual improvement around financial control and reporting.
11. Perform other ad-hoc duties and reporting as needed.
WORK CONTEXT
The post is based at MFG’s Head office in St. Albans but some business travel may be required from time to time. Additional hours may also be required to be worked from time to time over the contracted working hours to ensure that needs of the business are met.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
1. ACA qualified, with a background in practice.
2. A good understanding of financial controls and risks.
3. Effective verbal and written communication skills.
4. High degree of computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Excel.
5. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and to work to deadlines.
6. Ability to achieve targets whilst maintaining accuracy.
7. Ability to work cooperatively and flexibly to achieve team objectives.
8. Ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues and external contacts of varying professional backgrounds and accounting knowledge.
9. Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make rational decisions.
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