Senior Business Accountant

Senior Business Accountant – £55,000-£70,000 - High Wycombe (with weekly travel to Bedford)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a successful, internationally operating organisation as a Senior Business Accountant. This is a key position within the UK finance function, offering the chance to take ownership of core accounting operations, drive improvements, and play a pivotal role in supporting business performance.

The role is primarily based in High Wycombe, with weekly travel to their Bedford site.

The Opportunity:

This position is ideal for a detail‑driven, proactive finance professional who enjoys a hands‑on role and wants to make a real impact. Working closely with the UK Financial Controller, you will lead the accounting function, deliver accurate and timely financial reporting, manage cash flow, oversee audits, and ensure full regulatory compliance.

You will also manage a small finance team, support continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to strategic decision‑making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the month‑end close process, producing and analysing management accounts, P&L, balance sheet, reconciliations, trial balance and KPI reporting

* Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including payroll, journals, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, bank management and cash‑flow analysis

* Manage and develop the UK Finance team, setting objectives, reviewing performance and providing training and mentoring

* Produce and distribute business metrics and overhead reporting, challenging managers on performance and improvement opportunities

* Manage payroll and pensions processes, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements

* Lead the external audit process and support statutory and tax submissions, including preparation of UK to US GAAP schedules

* Review and enhance financial processes and controls, identifying and implementing best practice

* Prepare and submit VAT, P11D and other regulatory returns

* Monitor stock levels and usage, supporting stock and SLOB management

* Maintain weekly bank reconciliations and oversee receipts and payments

* Review sales and purchase ledgers to ensure accuracy and performance

* Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis and decision support to managers

* Deputise for the Financial Controller when required

About You:

Essential Qualifications

* Fully Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA (or equivalent) Accountant, with a minimum 5 years’ post‑qualification experience

Essential Experience & Skills

* At least 3 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, and a strong understanding of UK GAAP

* Experience with import/export processes and compliance

* Excellent analytical skills, and strong written and verbal communication

* Ability to write clear reports and process documentation

* Proactive, self‑motivated and a strong team player

* Able to build strong working relationships across the business

Desirable

Experience with SAP ERP and Advanced MS Excel skills

Exposure to multi‑site operations

Experience working with US‑owned businesses and UK to US GAAP

Experience with European or overseas intercompany activity

Additional Information

* On‑site presence at UK locations is expected, with some flexibility for home working once established

* Occasional travel to European or US offices may be required

* Additional hours may be needed during peak periods

* Flexibility and willingness to support the wider finance team is essential