Senior Financial Accountant; FTC

Are you an experienced Accountant looking for a role where you can lead, innovate, and drive efficiency? Do you excel in financial reporting and enjoy working on key strategic projects? We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our Bertelsmann Global Business Services (BGBS) team based in Frating, Colchester on a fixed term basis until February 2028.

BGBS is an accounting shared service centre established in 2018 to provide accounting functions for Bertelsmann group companies in the UK. Comprising of a team of over 50 and based at the Penguin Random House distribution centre on the outskirts of Colchester, the group companies served by BGBS include Penguin Random House, Dorling Kindersley, BMG, Arvato SCM and Little Tiger. The services provided by BGBS include Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Banking and General Accounting (general ledger, fixed assets, tax, financial reporting etc.).

We are seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to spearhead our monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting obligations for BGBS Customers. In this critical role, you will lead strategic projects with the support of the General Accounting Manager and Head of General Accounting, utilizing your expertise to enhance our financial processes and ensure robust reporting.

• Take ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end reporting requirements, including journal postings in SAP with minimal support.
• Assist in the preparation, filing, and completion of local Statutory Accounts and group reporting.
• Perform reconciliations of debtor/creditor balances and profit and loss intercompany trading for multiple entities.
• Produce and investigate balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Provide timely information and responses to Bertelsmann group's tax consultants and auditors during half-year and year-end audits.
• Ensure the correct application of group accounting policies and maintain strong controls, compliance, and governance.
• Lead strategic projects, such as the implementation of new systems, to enhance our financial processes.
• Depending on the team structure, manage and develop junior team members, potentially line managing one to two individuals.

• Qualified Accountant with one of the UK CCAB chartered professional bodies.
• Minimum of 2 years post‑qualification experience.
• Proficiency in IT systems, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of key accounting concepts and general reporting requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Problem‑solving abilities and the capacity to multi‑task and prioritize effectively.

• Previous experience in audit & assurance would be desirable.

£50,000 - £55,000 dependent on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.

For this role we currently expect that you will attend the office, based in Colchester, 2 days a week.