Introduction

Introduction

Are you an experienced Accountant with strong financial reporting, analysis, and compliance expertise? Our client, a leading hospitality group, is seeking a skilled Accountant to join their finance team on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an analytical and detail-oriented finance professional who can take ownership of accounting functions, meet strict month-end deadlines, and provide meaningful financial insights to management.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Group Financial Manager and various stakeholders across the business, making this role ideal for someone who is confident, proactive, and able to operate independently.

About the Role

The Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing financial reports, supporting budgeting and forecasting activities, managing reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting and tax requirements.

The position requires a hands-on accounting professional with strong technical accounting skills, advanced Excel capabilities, and the ability to analyse financial information and communicate findings effectively to non-financial stakeholders.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with applicable accounting standards, including IFRS.
• Analyse financial results and identify trends, variances, and discrepancies.
• Provide meaningful financial insights and recommendations to management.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Analyse actual financial results against budgeted figures.
• Assist with the preparation of budgets and financial planning.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and revenue enhancement.
• Support strategic business planning through financial analysis.

General Ledger & Reconciliations

• Reconcile bank statements, general ledger accounts, and expense accounts.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure financial records are accurate and up to date.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Manage accounts payable and receivable functions.
• Review accounts payable processing completed by the Creditors team.
• Ensure supporting documentation is accurate, complete, and properly maintained.
• Liaise with relevant hotels to resolve financial and accounting queries.

Tax & Compliance

• Review and submit VAT returns.
• Ensure compliance with relevant tax and financial regulations.
• Monitor tax filing deadlines and ensure submissions are completed accurately and on time.

Audit Support

• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Prepare and provide supporting financial records and documentation as required.
• Address audit queries and assist with implementing recommendations where required.

Business Partnering

• Work closely with management and operational teams to provide financial guidance.
• Present financial findings and recommendations to non-financial stakeholders.
• Assist management with informed financial and operational decision-making.
• Build effective working relationships with relevant hotels and departments.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years' post-graduate experience in accounting, auditing, or financial analysis.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Experience with financial reporting and analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proficiency in accounting software.
• Experience with VAT and financial compliance.
• Experience working with general ledgers and reconciliations.

CIMA qualification will be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and identify trends.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent conflict-management and people-management abilities.
• Highly motivated and able to work independently.
• Proactive with strong initiative.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder and business-partnering skills.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accuracy of financial records and reports.
• Adherence to month-end closing deadlines.
• Reduction of errors in financial data.
• Compliance with tax filing and reporting deadlines.
• Timely resolution of financial queries and discrepancies.