Role overview

The Financial Accountant is responsible for supporting the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements, regulatory returns, and management reports in accordance with UK accounting standards and industry regulations. This role ensures the integrity of the general ledger, performs reconciliations, and assists with month-end and year-end close activities.

Working collaboratively within the finance team, the Financial Accountant helps maintain strong financial controls and compliance, supports audit processes, and contributes to continuous improvement of accounting policies and procedures. The role provides essential financial information and analysis to support business operations and decision-making.

Key Accountabilities
 

• Manage monthly close processes, including journal postings and reconciliations
• Maintain general ledger integrity and ensure financial records are accurate and up to date
• Ownership, reconciliation and oversight of the balance sheet for entities across the Bspoke Group
• Ensure timely and accurate delivery of financial data for management reporting
• Liaise with external auditors and support audit processes and requirements
• Monitor compliance with internal controls and financial policies
• Develops and improves accounting practices and internal control processes. Maintain documentation of accounting policies, systems and procedures.
• Provide insight to the Financial Controller for identification and assessment of financial risks and control deficiencies
• Assist the delivery of insightful and comprehensive management reporting to Finance Business partners and managers across the Bspoke Group
• Consolidate and standardise finance processes across the Group
• Participate in financial systems improvements and automation projects
• Liaise with other members of the Finance team to enable the delivery of ad hoc requirements as requested by the Financial Controller and Group Director of Finance
• Other tasks as required in order that the department runs efficiently – e.g. cover for other members of staff, and additional tasks as required by the Financial Controller

Skills And Experience

Essential

Knowledge

• Proven experience in a financial accounting role
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS, and financial reporting requirements
• Experience with multiple financial reporting software packages,
• High competency in written and verbal communication and presentation

Skills

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• High competency in written and verbal communication and presentation
• Ability to achieve targets, meet deadlines, and prioritise workload effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis
• Effective team player with the ability to collaborate across departments
• Commitment to developing a thorough understanding of internal procedures, standards, and key regulatory requirements
• Proactive planner with strong organisational skills and ability to manage own workload independently

Desirable

Knowledge

• Experience in a similar role within the financial services sector
• Familiarity with insurance operating models and MGA distribution arrangements
• Experience of Microsoft Dynamics

Skills

• Ability to embrace and drive change management initiatives
• Proactive planner with strong organisational skills and ability to manage own workload independently
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency and effectiveness
• Positive, can-do attitude with willingness to take initiative
• Innovative and creative thinker, actively identifying and suggesting process improvements
• Client and customer-focused, maintaining strong relationships internally and externally
• Sound judgement and genuine interest in business performance and strategy

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or
• Part-qualified and actively studying towards qualification, with significant relevant experience