Senior Group Accountant

Our client a soft commodity trading company have a new opportunity for an astute technical and reporting accountant to join the London finance team. This is an exciting opportunity which offers a broad spectrum of financial reporting, project work and ownership of the accounting for our edible nuts and spices business.

The Role:

As the Senior Group Accountant you will report into the Head of Accounting and manage a team of 2. Periodic travel to our offices in Switzerland for training and development will be required. You will be responsible for:

Financial Reporting:

• Preparation of the group holding company consolidation including the coordination with group auditors and associated foreign subsidiary controllers.
• Financial statement preparation for the local trading company and other small entities
• Providing expert technical advice to the wider finance team on financial reporting matters and new and emerging accounting standards.
• Maintaining a robust controls framework to ensure accuracy of the accounting ledgers and identification of additional efficiencies to improve current practices.
• Day to day management of both the group and local audit.

Monthly Close and Management Reporting:

• Accurate and on time monthly reporting including the population of the group reporting pack (cognos).
• Monthly analysis of PL and BS by commodity including overheads reporting.
• Oversight of edible nuts and spices division accounting, general accounting, and accounts payable function.
• Team coaching and development.

Financial Planning, budgeting and Analysis:

• Lead the preparation and review of the UK and European VAT returns.
• Preparation of annual shared services budgeting.
• Scoping of a paperless expense platform.
• Ad hoc project work.

Skills & Experience:

• Qualified accountant with experience preferably in a financial service or big 4 environment.
• Knowledge of Navision and SAP advantageous.
• Focused self-starter with a high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships.
• A flexible approach and the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines are essential.