Financial Accountant (1 Year Maternity cover)

Inner Circle is a 21st century consultancy for 21st century challenges, aiming to deliver strong public services and thriving places so everyone can live a good life. The big missions of local government and its partners are our purpose. Our success lies in the success of future leaders to maintain their organisations’ relevance and viability in a world marked by inequalities, and inadequacies in the public response.

We are looking for exceptional people that are adaptable, flexible, and able to deploy their skills and experience across multiple sectors and client environments. We work as an independent consultancy, as an embedded team within our client organisations, or leading a group of specialist advisors.

Summary of Job Role:

This role is pivotal in providing accurate and timely financial reporting and planning for the business, alongside delivering analytical reporting, and working closely with stakeholders. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.

A summary of the tasks is set out below which is subject to change according to business need:

Key Task and Responsibilities:

• Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including Profit & Loss statements, Balance Sheets, Management Accounts, and cash flow statements.
• Ensure all sales invoices, expenses, and monthly accruals are reconciled accurately with support from the Finance Assistant.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide insights on financial performance to aid strategic decision-making.
• Process payroll, manage related journal entries, and complete monthly journal exports to AIQ (accounting software).
• Assist with data entry for quarterly budgets and support budget meetings, including collaborating with other relevant stakeholders to provide financial insights and support budgeting and forecasting
• Prepare VAT returns, assist with tax filings (including PSA/P11D), and ensure compliance with all tax regulations.
• Support the annual audit process by preparing necessary documentation and collaborating with external auditors.
• Assist in developing financial policies and procedures, implementing internal controls, and identifying opportunities for process improvements.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• ACA/AAT/ACCA/CIMA qualified or equivalent professional qualification is preferred.

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Financial Accountant or similar role, preferably within a consultancy or professional services environment.
• Proficient in accounting software (e.g. Accounts IQ Sage, QuickBooks, Xero) and Microsoft Excel.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards and tax regulations
• Able to prioritise and be agile - responsive to the needs of the business.
• An effective communicator with demonstrable skills in building relationships at all levels.
• A commercial mindset with a clear understanding of the commercial requirements of running a consulting business
• Skilled in data analysis and interpretation, able to present findings effectively in a range of formats and to develop compelling recommendations.

Personal characteristics

Individuals that thrive in Inner Circle typically have the following characteristics:

• Natural curiosity
• Have an intolerance of inertia
• A strong work ethic and organisation skills
• The ability to lead and form part of a team
• Enjoy deploying their skills and expertise to issues outside their sphere of experience
• The desire to be the best at what they do
• Can clearly communicate complex issues in written and oral form
• The ability to notice, interpret and anticipate concerns and feelings and to behave appropriately
• Treat business problems as though they are their own
• Good critical thinkers
• Focused on beneficial outcomes
• Are self-starters; can identify what needs to be done and get on with it

Benefits

Performance related Bonus

3%-5% contributory pension

Healthcare & Death in Service Insurance

Monthly kudos scheme

Mobile phone

Laptop (MacBook Pro or ThinkPad)