Financial Accountant (Financial Reporting) - Reading Who we are An award-winning bank here to help Britain's go-getters. More about us In 2009, Aldermore set out to be the bank helping those with ideas, big and small, to realise their dreams and to seek and seize opportunity in their personal and professional lives. We call it banking for the bold. Today, we're an award-winning bank that has helped fund the growth of Britain's small businesses through a range of business finance solutions, specialist mortgages and savings accounts that provides our customers with the support they need to make things happen. Join us if you want to find yourself at the heart of a dynamic, growing organisation where our employees are empowered to grow their expertise and build their careers. Financial Accountants in Aldermore's Financial Control team set the benchmarks for cost control and provide the final checks and balances for all internal control systems and processes ensuring effectiveness and efficiency across the bank. It's a dynamic environment in which to gain invaluable career experience. The Role This is an excellent opportunity for a Qualified Financial Accountant, reporting into the Financial Reporting Manager, to join this progressive organisation based in Reading. Working as part of a small team with a flat structure where each individual both 'leads' and 'does', the role involves all the usual aspects expected in a Financial Reporting team in a subsidiary of a larger group, including consolidation. Additionally, the role also provides support to divisional financial controllers in the production of the monthly management accounts and ensures the accuracy and reliability of the Trial Balance and accounting records (Oracle). As the Bank is a fast-growing company and operates in a regulated market you must be comfortable operating in an environment where 'change' is the norm. You should also have the drive and tenacity to help implement change and be willing to get involved in projects outside of your BAU role where appropriate. There is a need to automate and streamline existing processes, and the successful candidate is expected to use their initiative in this area and work with other members of the team and other teams to achieve this. The role requires strong knowledge of IFRS standards and what a good control environment looks like. You will also have excellent attention to detail and understand the importance of documentation. A strong background in producing 'Glossy' financial statements is a must, as is a willingness and flexibility to build up experience in new areas. Although there are no direct reports into this role, the role will require supervising and mentoring junior members of the team. Key Accountabilities include Subject matter expert for financial reporting Annual and interim statutory reporting for the consolidated Aldermore Group and other Group entities, including Aldermore Bank Monthly, interim and annual group reporting into FirstRand Group Manage and perform month end activities and produce reports for divisions and cost centres Annual regulatory Pillar 3 disclosure document Development and maintenance of the Accounting Policy Manual and SOPs Provision of technical advice and guidance to senior management as required Driving process and control improvements Effective stakeholder management of all contributing to the reporting process Experience required Proven experience of preparing IFRS financial statements for a large and complex business Must be ACA or ACCA qualified, from a practice background and / or industry (including Big 4) Strong understanding of relevant accounting standards and legislation Good interpersonal skills as the role will deal with a number of different stakeholders at senior and executive level Good working knowledge of standard accounting systems Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with other Microsoft Office applications such as Word and PowerPoint is highly beneficial Highly credible with the ability to effectively influence at a senior level Ability to challenge current practices and identify more efficient solutions Inquisitive, investigative and comfortable with ambiguity i.e. solving problems with incomplete information and challenging the norm Strong commercial acumen and decision-making skills Strong relationship management and communication skills The Rewards As you would expect, this opportunity offers a competitive basic salary and reward package, and you'll also benefit from our commitment to investing in your professional development. Agencies Paragraph We do not accept speculative agency CVs. Any CV received by Aldermore will be treated as a gift and not eligible for an agency fee. PSL agencies should only send CVs if authorised to do so by HR. Where a DBS check or CIFAS check is identified as necessary, all application forms, job adverts and recruitment briefs will contain a statement that an application for a DBS certificate or a CIFAS check will be submitted in the event of the individual being offered the position. Aldermore is an equal opportunities employer