Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant role in Newbury

Your new company
My client is looking for a Qualified or Finalist level Financial Accountant to join their busy Newbury based team. The right candidate will have experience in a similar role, and a desire to learn and motivate others.

Your new role

* Full responsibility for the accuracy of the general ledger, ensuring that effective procedures are in place and all errors are identified and corrected. Ensuring that accounting controls for the bank accounts, purchase ledger, sales ledger are maintained at all times and other ad-hoc balance sheet accounts are reconciled and reviewed on a monthly basis.
* Responsible for ensuring robust inter-company accounting procedures are in place and adhered to across Sovereign and that all inter-company accounts are reconciled with other subsidiary companies.
* Support the preparation of the VAT return for the business and its subsidiaries, involving complex analytical review to maximise recovery of VAT and minimise liabilities.
* Assist with the production of the monthly management accounts for all business activities to ensure timely and accurate submission to the Executive Board.
* Review Group and subsidiary entity cash flows.
* Define, prepare and manage the monthly routines and tasks within the month end timetable, co-ordinating and liaising with finance staff to ensure successful and timely close.
* Prepare and produce annual statutory accounts for subsidiary companies, liaising with external auditors to ensure accurate and timely completion.
* Assist with the production of year-end statutory accounts together with consolidated statutory group accounts .
* Identify and implement improvements to the year-end financial close process.
* Initiate and undertake projects and other tasks seeking to improve financial and business processes, enhancing efficiency, service delivery and financial controls.
* Provide support for, and lead where appropriate, the development and management of systems and processes that deliver co-ordinated financial management information to the business as a whole. These systems and processes must generate information that is accurate, timely and robust.
* Deputise for the Group Accountant when absent, giving advice and ensuring financial implications and controls are fully considered and that actions taken are in the best interests of the business.
* Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required in line with the level of responsibility and accountability of the post and in order to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
* Observe and comply with policies and procedures for Health and Safety at work and observe and continually promote equal opportunities and customer care in compliance with company values, aims and objectives.
* Establish, develop and maintain effective working relationships with all work colleagues, contractors and partnering agencies to ensure an integrated contribution to Sovereign's corporate objectives.
* Continuously seek realistic ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in your role, to help the department achieve its goals.
* Participate in learning and development activities that develop personal effectiveness and assist in improving performance in the role.

What you'll need to succeed

* Strong technical and practical knowledge of the principles of financial accounting and financial statements.
* Good understanding of relevant legislation and accounting principles for Housing Associations, eg SORP, advantageous but not essential.
* Qualified Accountant, ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent post graduate accounting qualification, with three years post qualification experience
* Knowledge of Agresso Accounting system advantageous but not essential.
* Highly numerate and computer literate with strong Microsoft skills covering Word and Excel.
* Professional and logical approach to problem solving with strong analytical skills.
* Demonstrates a high level of professional integrity.
* Strong initiative, curiosity and drive
* Confident in own actions and fosters confidence in others.
* Maintains a positive frame of mind in all circumstances.
* Promotes and actively participates in a culture of continuous improvement.
* Ability to work to deadlines.
* Faultless attention to detail.
* Flexibility in approach to work, to respond to ad hoc requests and reprioritise workload.
* Works independently with effective time management.
* Articulate and clear - verbally and in written communications.
* Strategic thinker with strong influencing skills - brings people along.

What you'll get in return

• Fully agile working abilities
• Flexible benefits package

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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