<p>Job brief: We are seeking an experienced Chartered Accountant to join our finance team and provide reliable financial oversight. The successful candidate will manage statutory reporting, audit liaison, and compliance, while supporting budgeting and strategic financial planning. This role requires technical expertise, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to lead process improvements across the organisation.</p>
<h2>Chartered Accountant Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Chartered Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing statutory accounts, and ensuring compliance with tax and regulatory requirements. They will work closely with senior management to deliver timely financial insights that inform business decisions.</p>
<p>This role suits a qualified accountant with experience in audit, financial reporting, and taxation. The candidate must be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and able to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.</p>
<h2>Chartered Accountant Job Description</h2>
<p>The Chartered Accountant will lead the month-end and year-end processes, ensuring that all financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS or UK GAAP as applicable. Duties include preparing management accounts, overseeing balance sheet reconciliations, and coordinating external audit activities. The role will require close liaison with operational teams to drive budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.</p>
<p>In addition to core accounting duties, the postholder will be expected to advise on tax matters, including corporation tax, VAT, and payroll issues, and to implement robust internal controls to mitigate financial risk. They will support projects to improve financial systems and processes, including ERP deployments and automation of routine tasks to increase efficiency.</p>
<p>As a senior finance resource, the Chartered Accountant will contribute to strategic planning by producing insightful analysis on cash flow, working capital, and profitability. They will mentor junior staff and promote best practice across the finance function, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.</p>
<h2>Chartered Accountant Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Prepare accurate monthly management accounts and year-end statutory accounts.</li>
<li>Lead the month-end close, ensuring timely journaling and reconciliations.</li>
<li>Coordinate and manage external audits and statutory filings.</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with tax regulations, including corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE.</li>
<li>Develop and maintain internal control frameworks and accounting policies.</li>
<li>Perform budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to support business planning.</li>
<li>Provide financial analysis to support strategic initiatives and decision-making.</li>
<li>Manage cash flow, working capital reporting, and optimisation.</li>
<li>Lead process improvement and finance system implementations.</li>
<li>Supervise and mentor junior members of the finance team and provide training.</li>
<li>Prepare financial reports for senior management and the board.</li>
<li>Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to interpret financial impact.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Chartered Accountant Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Fully qualified ACA, ACCA, or equivalent chartered accountancy qualification.</li>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline preferred.</li>
<li>Minimum of 3 to 5 years post-qualification experience in financial reporting and audit.</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP, corporation tax, and VAT rules.</li>
<li>Proven experience in managing external audits and statutory filings.</li>
<li>Excellent Excel skills and experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Sage.</li>
<li>Close attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.</li>
<li>Effective communicator with the ability to present financial information to non-financial audiences.</li>
<li>Demonstrable experience in process improvement and financial controls.</li>
<li>Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines with a proactive approach.</li>
</ul>