Financial Accounting Project and Development - 12M Contract

We are currently looking for someone to join our finance team on a 12M fixed term contract! 

Working closely with the Financial Controller you will support with technical accounting and controls development. This is a project role to develop monthly property accounting into a post IFRS16 process (so that the monthly accounts are in line with the statutory accounts), including the development of an improved controls environment and methodology to support the external audit.

Customer / Strategy / Plan

• The role is a key support for the Financial Controller for technical accounting and controls development.
• The job holder will have accountability for IFRS 16, including embedding the new standard in BAU processes, ensuring appropriate controls, and monthly reporting, as well as budgeting / forecasting of lease costs.
• Key contact for external auditors in relation to audit of IFRS 16.
• Look to drive improvements in the effectiveness and timeliness of controls within the property accounting team. Ensure robust financial processes exist to support the integrity of reporting and ultimately safeguard the company against loss (e.g. balance sheet recs, bank recs, etc.) and that regulatory processes are complied with.
• Support for corporate internal audit activities.

People/Leadership

• The role will have line accountability for one full time colleague
• Communication with other departments who either feed information to the accounts or utilise information generated (for example, the Property department for IFRS 16).
• Wherever possible, strive to develop colleagues and (in conjunction with Financial Controller / Director of Finance) offer opportunities for career progression, subject to their wants/needs.

Financial / Commercials

• Lead the property accounting function to ensure accurate accounting for lease costs, including impairment reviews.
• Work with external auditors to ensure robust group and subsidiary statutory accounts are produced within the required timescales.
• Monthly review of balance sheet control accounts and month end audit file.
• Ensure that the Financial Controller is well appraised of the company’s financial position.

Risk and process

• Ensure appropriate processes exist within the finance team to identify key areas of risk, with agreed plans to manage those risks.
• As required, contribute to the delivery of internal corporate audits through the assessment of risks and controls, and the completion of audit testing.
• Work with auditors and external parties to ensure that core accounting controls are appropriate and consistently implemented.
• Develop revised IFRS16 process, ensuring strong financial controls.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

Essential                                                

• Qualified accountant.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Good understanding of accounting systems – general ledger, purchase ledger, etc.
• Good understanding of core finance processes – balance sheet reconciliations, working capital management and understanding of PLC reporting requirements.
• Good communication skills – both on 1:1 basis and in a group environment.
• Demonstrable experience of advising senior management or audit clients on financial reporting issues
• Experience of reporting for year-end accounts, either when preparing statutory accounts and notes (“Glossy” version and subsidiary accounts) or auditing these for clients
• Good working knowledge of broader regulatory environment
• Excellent time management skills
• Must be results orientated, decisive, proactive and focused with attention to detail.

Desirable

• Exposure to IFRS 16.
• Experience of using Qube property management system
• Advanced Excel skills including the use of formulas, VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, SUMIF/SUMProduct.
• Experience of MS Word and Outlook.
• Knowledge and experience of Microsoft Dynamics.
• Experience of liaising with external providers – banks, auditors, etc.
• Experience of line management.

For further information please contact beth.sutton@toppstiles.co.uk