Head Office Accountant

Aston Murray is currently recruiting a Head Office Accountant for a global wholesale insurance broker based in central London.

The purpose of this role is to prepare and report financial information on the Head Office businesses and be responsible for day-to-day activities of purchase ledger and treasury for the Head Office businesses.

Main Responsibilities:

• Maintenance of appropriate accounting records which give an accurate picture of the financial position of the London business, the UK business and the Group of Companies at any given time, which comply with statutory requirements, accounting standards and industry best practice.
• In co-operation with the Companies’ auditors, prepare the annual accounts of the Companies in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare the year-end submission packs for the Companies as required by Group Finance
• Assist in the development of the annual business plan, forecasting and budget for the Companies and its submission to the Board for approval
• Manage the intercompany loans across the Group, including calculating preparing loan documentation and interest charges
• Assist in the preparation of the tax computations
• Supply VAT information when required
• Manage accounts receivable/payable and expense forms including settlement and dealing with queries
• Identification of opportunities for business process improvements and the enhancement of the services provided by the Division.
• Development of business or project plans to take forward new initiatives
• Involvement in writing new reports using SUN and Vision.
• Produce management accounts for the two Employee Trust companies from the information provided by the Trustees
• Provide treasury function for the Companies including preparation of short term cash forecasting
• Assist the Group Financial Controller on short term projects
• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts and monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Support the Group Financial Controller in any activity and/or specific project work required.
• Assist in the administration of SUN for Group companies

Skills Required:

• Ability to prioritise and organise own workload to ensure that deadlines are adhered to and targets are met
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage and lead others
• Ability to liaise with colleagues when appropriate
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with both internal and external customers
• Ability to construct effective written communications, including business plans, budgets and Board reports
• Confident and effective oral communication skills
• Ideally a qualified accountant though a finalist may also be considered.
• IT Skills: MS Word, MS Outlook and advanced MS Excel

This is a 13 month fixed term contract maternity cover role paying £45K - £55K plus bonus and benefits. The role is due to start mid-end October.