Financial Accountant

Job Introduction

Financial Accountant

Salary £32,000 – 38,000  

Permanent   

Hybrid – Home and Hub (London/Ashford Kent)

A great opportunity to be joining an exciting division of Saga. The Saga Money and Publishing Finance team is currently looking for a Financial Accountant to join the team.

The Financial Accountant will provide timely reporting and management of the Balance Sheets for Saga Money and Saga Publishing, ensuring quality and accuracy in-line with accounting policies. Working with the Head of Finance you will manage financial controls for your entities, ensuring that they are operating effectively and adequately mitigating financial control risks.

This role is ideally suited to a part qualified accountant (or qualified by experience) who will be responsible for assisting with general ledger accounting and the production and delivery of internal and external financial reporting and control requirements for the Saga Money and Publishing divisions.

We offer flexibility over where you work – you choose a place where you feel most comfortable and productive, either from home or in one of our hubs in London or Kent. Our Finance, Money and Publishing teams come together most weeks to collaborate.

Role Responsibility

Our Financial Accountant will be responsible for month end close including all aspects of GL accounting and reporting.

Other accountabilities include:

• Monthly account reconciliation process including production and 1st review of reconciliations produced by junior members of the team and co-ordinating with other teams for completion
• Production of balance sheet packs and 1st draft of balance sheet commentary for review
• Assisting with external reporting including year-end/ interim audits and regulatory returns
• Development of the month end close process, driving efficiencies
• Responsibility for the maintenance of accounting systems and records associated with the entities in their remit
• Maintaining and building relationships with wider stakeholders acting as the key point of contact for central systems for the entities within their remit
• Liaising with internal and external auditors
• Continual analysis, review and improvement of finance processes
• Proactive input into the management of the financial control environment for the group, ensuring adoption and adherence to group policies, procedures and best practice and key input into wider Group Corporate Governance / Controls project
• Supporting the wider Financial Reporting and Control team as required
• Adhoc projects and other data analysis as required

The Ideal Candidate

Ideally you will be a part qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA or CIMA), however we are open t o candidates who are qualified by experience. You will need a background in financial accounting, control and/or audit and can demonstrate strong GL accounting capability and a good understanding of financial reporting, financial control and IFRS.

You will also need to demonstrate the following qualifications, skills and experience; 

• Able to quickly establish credibility, winning the respect and co-operation of colleagues at all levels, including Heads of Departments and Directors
• High integrity and objectivity, capable of selling ideas and implementing change
• Able to work as part of a team and capable of delivering to tight deadlines
• Very high level of proficiency in the use of Excel and general ledger systems (previous experience of IBM TM1 and Workday advantageous)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong teamworking and collaborative working skills and an ability to demonstrate empathy for team members and the wider stakeholder community
• Able to deliver high quality, accurate output at pace and able to quickly adapt to changing environments, consistently setting high standards and driving performance
• Analytically strong with the ability to challenge and think outside the box
• Demonstrates resilience and an ability to deal with demands placed on them, able to work calmly under pressure; an eye for detail and the ability to understand technically complex accounting issues

Package Description

Everyday our colleagues deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. We believe exceptional work deserves even more exceptional rewards, that's why we have put together an amazing benefits package.  

• Our working week is 35 hours per week, these can be worked flexibly to suit your working style
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Option to purchase additional leave up to 5 extra days
• Pension scheme matched up to 10%
• Life assurance policy on joining us
• Wellbeing programme
• Colleague discounts including family discounts on cruises and holidays!
• Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Grandparents leave
• Company performance related annual bonus - Up to 5%
• Income protection
• Access to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platform

About the Company

Over the past 70 years we have become the UK's specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. The Saga brand has become one of the most recognised and trusted brands amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for its high quality products and exceptional standards of service. These include cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and the Saga Magazine.

At Saga we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better.

We’re passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Championing diversity is important to us, and diverse teams really are the best ones. We’re dedicated to creating a culture where every colleague feels like they belong. So that at Saga, more than anywhere else, you can be your best, be yourself and make a difference.

Fair consideration is given to all applicants, including those with disabilities and those over who are over the age of 50. As champions of age inclusivity and signatories of the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, we are proud of our multigenerational teams. We are also an official Disability Confident Committed employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible and we will make reasonable adjustments as required. For more information on our DEI policies please visit our Saga Careers page.

​Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.

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Saga Group