Financial Accountant

Technical Financial Accountant – Pensions & Treasury

Circa £46,500 DOE

Torfaen

Hybrid Working: 1 day per week in the office

Môrwell Talent Solutions are delighted to be supporting a large public sector organisation in South Wales with the appointment of a Technical Financial Accountant to join an established and supportive Finance team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a fully qualified accountant who is looking to develop their technical accounting experience within a complex organisation and take on a role with genuine variety, responsibility and scope for progression.

The role would suit a technically strong accountant from a practice, public sector or industry background. We would be keen to hear from Technical or Statutory Accountants working within practice who are looking to make the move into a broader in-house role. Previous public sector, local authority, pension fund or treasury experience would be highly advantageous, although this is not essential for the right candidate.

About the role

This is a varied technical finance position which will initially have a strong focus on Pension Fund accounting, before developing into a broader treasury, investment and corporate accounting remit. During the first 12 months, approximately 50–60% of the role will be focused on the accounting requirements of the Pension Fund. This makes an interest in pension fund accounting, or previous exposure to this area, particularly important.

You will support the organisation with a range of technical accounting and reporting responsibilities, working closely with colleagues across Finance and other areas of the organisation. Following the initial 12-month period, the role will develop further into treasury management, investments and strategy, statutory returns, long-term borrowing, year-end accounting, audit and capital projects.

You will also have responsibility for elements of the organisation's banking and cash-flow requirements, making accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to organise and prioritise your workload particularly important.

Key responsibilities:

• Taking a lead role in the accounting requirements of the Pension Fund, particularly during the initial 12-month period.
• Supporting the preparation of Pension Fund accounts, statutory returns and associated financial reporting.
• Preparing and reviewing financial reconciliations and control accounts.
• Supporting year-end accounting and the preparation of annual accounts.
• Working closely with internal and external auditors and providing information and support as required.
• Supporting treasury management activities, including banking and cash-flow management.
• Assisting with treasury strategy, investments and borrowing activities.
• Supporting the organisation's longer-term financial and investment strategy.
• Preparing and monitoring relevant financial forecasts and statutory returns.
• Supporting the management and monitoring of cash flow and banking arrangements.
• Providing accurate financial information, analysis and advice to relevant stakeholders.
• Supporting capital projects and providing appropriate financial advice.
• Ensuring financial information and reporting complies with relevant accounting standards, legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Working closely with colleagues across Finance and wider service areas.
• Contributing to continuous improvement across financial processes and systems.
• Supporting the Group Finance Manager and wider Finance team as required.

About you

• We are looking for a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with a strong technical accounting foundation and a genuine interest in developing their career.
• You may already have experience within local government, the wider public sector or a pension fund environment, but this is not essential.
• We would also be particularly interested in hearing from Technical Accountants, Statutory Accountants or Audit/Accounts professionals currently working within practice who are looking to move into an in-house role and broaden their experience.
• Ideally, you will have around three years' post-qualification experience, although candidates with more or less experience will be considered where they can demonstrate the right technical ability, attitude and potential.

You will ideally have:

• Full professional accountancy qualification – ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting experience.
• Experience of year-end accounting and audit processes.
• Excellent Excel skills – this is essential.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and organise your own workload effectively.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with a range of stakeholders.
• The ability to work independently whilst also being a strong team player.
• A proactive approach and a willingness to take ownership and use initiative.
• A genuine interest in developing your technical knowledge and learning new areas of finance.

However, you don't need to have experience across every aspect of the role from day one. The organisation is looking for someone with a strong technical accounting foundation who is capable, keen to learn and wants to progress.

The team

You will report directly to the Group Finance Manager and join a friendly and supportive team, with two other members of the Finance team working alongside you. This is an organisation where you will have the opportunity to develop your technical knowledge and take on increasing responsibility as your experience grows.

What's on offer?

• Alongside a salary of circa £46,500, the organisation offers an excellent benefits package and a genuine commitment to flexible working.
• 37-hour working week
• Hybrid working, typically just 1 day per week in the office
• Flexible working arrangements
• Reduced hours considered, with a minimum of 30 hours per week for the right candidate
• 24 days' annual leave
• Annual leave increases to 29 days after 5 years' service
• 11 paid bank holidays
• Paid Christmas shutdown period, in addition to annual leave
• Excellent pension scheme
• On-site parking
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and progression
• Friendly and supportive working environment

Interested?

The organisation is keen to appoint as soon as possible, although they are prepared to wait for the right candidate. If you're a qualified accountant with a strong technical/statutory background and are looking for an opportunity to broaden your experience across pension fund accounting, treasury, investments and corporate finance, we'd love to hear from you.