Group Accountant

An established and growing international stock-led business is seeking a technically strong Group Accountant to join its finance team. Operating across the UK and a number of overseas markets, the business manages multiple legal entities, significant inventory holdings and high-volume transactions, requiring robust financial control and statutory compliance. This is a hands-on role that combines technical accounting expertise with team leadership.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of the Group's statutory reporting and financial compliance while overseeing the day-to-day activities of a small finance team. The role would suit a qualified accountant who enjoys remaining close to the detail while helping develop people and continuously improving finance processes.

Key Responsibilities Group Financial Reporting & Statutory Accounting Prepare statutory financial statements for multiple UK and overseas entities. Ensure compliance with UK GAAP and applicable international accounting standards where required. Manage the year-end statutory reporting process, coordinating external auditors and advisors. Prepare technical accounting papers and provide guidance on complex accounting matters. Ensure compliance with all statutory filing requirements, including Companies House and overseas regulatory obligations.

Support corporation tax, VAT and other indirect tax compliance alongside external advisers. Maintain strong financial controls and ensure adherence to internal policies. Group Accounting Produce accurate monthly and year-end group consolidations. Reconcile intercompany balances and oversee cross-border transactions. Ensure consistency of accounting policies across all group companies. Support foreign currency accounting and overseas financial reporting requirements. Assist with acquisitions, business integrations and corporate restructures where required.

Financial Control Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the integrity of the Group's financial records. Oversee cash management, working capital and stock-related financial reporting. Monitor inventory accounting, cost of sales and stock valuation to ensure accuracy. Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, systems and reporting processes. Support budgeting, forecasting and commercial analysis where appropriate. Leadership Lead, motivate and develop a small finance team.

Review work completed by team members and provide coaching and technical support. Allocate workloads, monitor performance and encourage continuous development. Foster a collaborative, accountable and high-performing finance function. Skills & Experience Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). Strong technical statutory accounting experience gained within a multi-entity environment. Experience preparing consolidated group accounts. Good understanding of UK GAAP, Companies Act requirements and financial reporting standards.

Experience working within an international business with overseas subsidiaries. Confident managing external auditors and professional advisers. Previous experience supervising or managing a small finance team. Strong systems and Excel skills with the ability to improve finance processes. Highly organised with excellent attention to detail. Commercially aware with the confidence to work across both operational and strategic finance activities.

Desirable Experience

Experience with in a stock-led, high-volume FMCG, wholesale or distribution business. Knowledge of inventory accounting and stock valuation.

Experience with ERP systems and finance system implementations or improvements. Exposure to foreign currency accounting and international tax considerations.