Assistant Accountant jobs in London

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Group Accountant to join our growing finance team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the financial reporting, compliance, and accounting functions across multiple companies within the group. This role will support senior management by providing accurate financial information, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and assisting in strategic decision-making.

Key Duties and Responsibilities Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts for multiple group companies.
• Produce consolidated management accounts and financial reports.
• Prepare profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Analyse financial performance and provide variance analysis against budgets and forecasts.
• Assist with year-end statutory accounts preparation.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts.
• Monitor business performance against budgets.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts.
• Support business planning and financial modelling activities.

Intercompany Accounting

• Manage intercompany transactions and reconciliations.
• Ensure all intercompany balances are reconciled and agreed monthly.
• Maintain accurate group consolidation schedules.

Compliance and Tax

• Prepare and submit VAT returns.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and accounting standards.
• Assist with corporation tax computations and submissions.
• Support external auditors during annual audits.
• Ensure Companies House filing requirements are met.

Treasury and Cash Management

• Monitor daily cash balances across the group.
• Prepare cash flow reports and funding forecasts.
• Support banking activities and maintain relationships with financial institutions.
• Assist with loan covenant reporting and compliance.

Finance Operations

• Review purchase ledger, sales ledger, and bank reconciliations.
• Oversee month-end and year-end close processes.
• Review payroll journals and related reconciliations.
• Ensure financial records are maintained accurately and efficiently.

Business Partnering

• Work closely with operational managers and department heads.
• Provide financial insights to support commercial decision-making.
• Assist with acquisitions, business integrations, and special projects.
• Support profitability and cost-saving initiatives across the group.

Systems and Process Improvements

• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls and processes.
• Assist in implementing new finance systems and reporting tools.
• Support automation and continuous improvement projects within the finance function.

Skills and Experience RequiredEssential

• ACCA, CIMA, ACA qualified or part-qualified.
• Minimum 3 years' accounting experience.
• Experience preparing management accounts.
• Strong understanding of UK accounting standards and VAT regulations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience with multi-company or group structures.
• Experience with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, or similar accounting software.
• Experience in retail, hospitality, franchise, or property sectors.
• Experience preparing consolidated accounts.

Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person