Technical Accountant

Overview

As the Technical Accountant at South East Water , you are the subject‑matter expert on complex accounting issues, researching, interpreting and applying IFRS and UKGAAP to ensure regulatory compliance. You will develop internal accounting policies, manage complex transactions and provide technical accounting advice to group companies. You will be the primary contact for external auditors on technical accounting matters, review accounting disclosures for technical accuracy, and implement new accounting standards across the organisation.

• Research and apply IFRS/UKGAAP to new business initiatives and transactions, preparing technical accounting papers and reviewing contracts for proper revenue recognition.
• Develop, document, and maintain a comprehensive library of accounting policies for consistency and technical accuracy.
• Prepare complex financial statement disclosures, including footnotes and technical papers for external auditors.
• Serve as the key contact for external auditors on technical accounting matters, resolving issues as part of the annual audit.
• Lead projects for the implementation of new accounting standards, researching implications for the group and advising on options.
• Work with representatives from outside Finance and external advisers on projects.
• Advise on differences between IFRS and Ofwat’s Regulatory Accounting Guidelines and their implications.
• Advise on systems and process improvements to enhance financial reporting controls and workflows.
• Maintain an advanced level of technical knowledge through research and training.
• Assist with other ad‑hoc projects as required.

• Qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) or ACCA/CIMA with demonstrated experience in a technical role.
• Excellent technical knowledge of IFRS and UKGAAP.
• Strong communication skills, able to explain complex issues to non‑finance stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills, able to meet strict deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking to align reporting processes with business objectives.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with large‑scale ERP systems.
• Proficiency in accounting research databases and interpreting emerging literature.
• Proven experience in audit, financial reporting or technical accounting roles for organisations of a similar size or larger.
• Experience in the preparation or audit of consolidated financial reports for large organisations.
• Experience liaising with auditors and managing external adviser relationships.
• Experience with companies that have large annual capital‑spending programmes is an advantage.

• Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5‑week holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy (buy/sell holiday).
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing‑related benefits.

Up to £65,000per annum, dependent on experience.

South East Water  is committed to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all employees, recognising diversity across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and identity.