Arriva is one of the leading providers of passenger transport in Europe, delivering nearly two billion passenger journeys across ten European countries each year. We have a fantastic opportunity to join our Group Accounts team as Financial Accountant, reporting to our Consolidation Finance Manager. Prior to May 2024 Arriva was an operating division of the Deutsche Bahn (DB) Group, however following the acquisition by I Squared Capital, Arriva is an independently managed business. Arriva has made significant investment in its consolidation and management information systems & processes to transition to the change of ownership, including the implementation of a CCH Tagetik (Consolid8) platform for Arriva’s monthly consolidation process. This role will support the management of the group consolidation, working alongside existing team members and being a CCH Tagetik (Consolid8) expert. The role will also initially support the project team in delivering two new UK group consolidations under the new I Squared Capital holding structure and support the establishment and ongoing sub-consolidation of Arriva’s EU operations (a third consolidation). This role is based from our Sunderland office, a minimum of 2 days per week with the rest focusing on where you can best deliver, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. The role operates Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with 1 hour lunch per day. Key responsibilities of the role include: As our Financial Accountant you will support the management of group consolidation, working alongside existing team members and being a CCH Tagetik expert. This includes (but not limited to) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or ad-hoc basis: Issuing consolidation closing timetable, including instructions to Business Unit finance teams; Coordination of data uploads relating to financials and notes disclosures; Supporting the Arriva businesses with queries and problems in data uploads and account mapping, including training and access requirements of new users; Intercompany eliminations and resolving discrepancies with the Arriva businesses; Equity accounting for Associates/JVs and Non-controlling interests (NCI) adjustments; Acquisition (IFRS 3) or Disposal/Held-for-sale (IFRS 5) adjustments; Maintenance of accurate scope of consolidation and ownership/investment registers; Preparation of accounting entries for capital structure changes and mergers of Arriva group companies; Supporting Arriva businesses’ Lease (IFRS 16) submissions and provision of IFRS 16 movement reports to external auditors; Review of the Arriva consolidations and ensuring consolidation adjustments are working as they should; Balance Sheet reviews; and Manual consolidation journal entries. Support the project team in delivering two new group consolidations under the new I Squared Capital holding structure, required notes disclosures and reports in Intelligent Disclosures module. Support the establishment and ongoing sub-consolidation of Arriva’s EU operations (a third consolidation). Submission of pension scheme information for Arriva defined benefit schemes to the group’s actuary. Provide ad-hoc support to External Reporting & Technical Accounting Manager on UK statutory accounts outside of month, quarter and half-year end group reporting deadlines. At times be needed to provide cover in the role of Consolidation Finance Manager. What we'd like from you We’re looking for an experienced and qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA). Candidates must also have: Good background knowledge of IFRS and consolidation accounting. The ability to work independently and demonstrate a proactive approach to tackling problems and finding solutions working with wider Finance, Treasury and Tax colleagues. Excellent people skills with ability to build relationships with various stakeholders across the business. Excellent organizational skills, companied with the ability to plan effectively. Ability to prioritize workload and deliver to tight deadlines in a busy working environment. Good proficiency with Office 365 applications. Prior experience working with CCH Tagetik and knowledge/experience of defined benefit pension scheme accounting is desirable (training will be provided). Finally, we’re looking for candidates aligned to Arriva’s values: caring passionately, doing the right thing and making a difference. What we can offer you in addition to a competitive base salary: True hybrid working – focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. A generous pension plan. Life Assurance plus access to one of the UK’s largest networks of medical professionals. Modern office, with excellent transport links. 25 days holidays and statutory bank holidays per year (pro rata for mid-year joiners), and opportunity to purchase additional holiday in eligible windows. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Access to discounts and cash back through ‘The Village’ – our Online Reward Gateway. Eyecare vouchers. The opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum – a community of people leading activity and initiatives to enhance Wellbeing, Career Development and Communications within our community in the Corporate Centre. The opportunity to join a Global Arriva Inclusion Network (GAIN) group- a community of people who are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. Free Arriva bus travel for you and immediate family outside of London – T&C’s apply And a truly wonderful team to be joining Why work for us? Arriva is a people focused business. In every part of Arriva, our people deliver high standards of customer service and work together to demonstrate kindness, determination, and resilience. Our values were created by Arriva people. They guide our actions and the way we work, helping to reflect and shape our culture. They focus on caring, integrity and making the difference. Our people choose to work for us, and to stay with us, because we are a great place to work. At Arriva, we strive to create a culture where we can all be ourselves, where we belong, feel respected and our differences celebrated. We actively seek out and value difference. We want our business to reflect the wide range of communities in which we operate, so we can serve them even better. The closing date for applications is Sunday 29th September 2024. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.