Group Accountant

Are you a technically strong financial reporting professional looking for a high‑impact contract role within Group Finance? This is an excellent opportunity to step into a visible Senior Group Reporting position where you will play a key role in delivering statutory and regulatory reporting within a complex, regulated environment.

• 26 days holiday
• Private medical healthcare
• Non‑contributory pension scheme

Based in Southampton on a 6‑month fixed‑term contract, this role offers exposure to board‑level reporting, corporate transactions, regulatory interpretation and senior stakeholder engagement. You will lead critical reporting cycles, manage a small team, and contribute to continuous improvement across systems, processes and controls.

This position would suit an experienced IFRS/UK GAAP specialist who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is confident working across multiple finance functions and senior stakeholders.

• Lead the production of statutory financial statements (IFRS/UK GAAP) and regulatory returns
• Take ownership of month‑end, quarter‑end and year‑end reporting cycles
• Manage, mentor and develop a small team
• Strengthen reporting policies, systems, processes and controls to enhance efficiency and governance.
• Review financial statements and regulatory submissions, supporting senior‑level sign‑off.
• Provide clear technical guidance and structured templates across the wider finance function.
• Contribute to Board and committee reporting alongside senior finance stakeholders.
• Interpret complex accounting and regulatory requirements with technical specialists.
• Optimise general ledger structures and reporting processes.
• Act as a key liaison point for internal and external auditors.
• Drive process improvement and reporting simplification initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Tax, FP&A, Capital & Treasury, Corporate Secretariat and Risk teams.

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Formally qualified accountant.
• Proven experience delivering high‑quality financial reporting within a regulated or complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead reporting cycles and improve processes.
• Confident stakeholder manager with the ability to influence and communicate effectively.
• Comfortable operating in a matrix structure.
• Consolidated reporting experience.
• Experience working with large, complex data sets and financial systems.
• External audit background.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware, technically strong accountant to take on a visible and influential role within Group Finance on a contract basis. If you are immediately available or coming to the end of your current assignment, we would welcome your application.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role, comply with all relevant UK legislation and do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.