Interim Group Operations Accountant Location: Preston (Hybrid – 3 days onsite per week) Contract: 6-month fixed-term contract Availability: Immediate start required

The Opportunity

An established financial services group is seeking an experienced Interim Group Operations Accountant to join its Group Finance function.

Reporting to the Group Senior Finance Operations Manager, you will play an important role in supporting the Group’s financial reporting and operational accounting activities. The position will cover monthly balance sheet reconciliations, quarterly IFRS reporting, VAT returns and expense reporting, alongside supporting the wider finance operations team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accountant who can quickly adapt to an established finance environment, deliver accurate financial information to tight deadlines and build effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors.

Key Responsibilities

• Group Reporting: Support actual and budgeted expense reporting processes, including employee expenses and accounts receivable.

• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Prepare accurate and timely monthly balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies where required.

• IFRS Reporting: Prepare quarterly IFRS reporting in line with Group accounting requirements, ensuring submissions are accurate and completed within strict reporting deadlines.

• VAT Compliance: Prepare and support the timely submission of quarterly VAT returns.

• Finance Operations: Support the Group Accounts Payable function, resolving queries and maintaining accurate financial records.

• Systems & Processes: Maintain Group Finance systems, support their effective day-to-day operation and contribute to continuous process improvements.

• Audit Support: Coordinate and respond to information requests from internal and external auditors, providing accurate supporting documentation.

• Financial Analysis: Produce ad hoc financial analysis and reporting to support business requirements and stakeholder requests.

About You

• Previous experience in a similar accounting, finance operations or group finance role.

• ACCA, CIMA or ACA

• Working knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations and core finance processes.

• Experience preparing balance sheet reconciliations and supporting month-end or periodic reporting.

• Exposure to IFRS reporting and VAT returns.

• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to delivering accurate, complete and timely financial information.

• Confident communicating financial information to stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.

• Able to build effective working relationships and manage external stakeholders professionally.

• Adaptable, proactive and capable of picking up new processes quickly while managing competing priorities.

The Ideal Candidate

A technically capable, hands-on accountant who can hit the ground running, manage core financial reporting responsibilities and provide reliable support to the wider Group Finance team.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates