Financial Accountant

Job Introduction

When you join Saga we welcome you with open arms and we fuel your career possibilities. We support. We encourage. We champion you to reach your full potential.

This role is an important part of the Finance team who strive to facilitate, to help and support the Group function of the business.

Supporting the Financial Control Function of Saga Services; the role will involve the preparation of all relevant statutory and internal financial reporting requirements, including VAT, Corporation Tax workings and RMAR returns. The role also involves the delivery of external reporting requirements and the management and validation of the monthly bordereau and insurer payments.

Beyond this the role will require a commercial approach that seeks to add business value by identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, processes, structures and inter group working.

And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.

Role Responsibility

• Preparation and delivery of the monthly Bordereau to Saga Services insurers
• Prepare and arrange payment of the Saga Services Insurer Payments (including subsidiary company - Bennetts)
• Attending Bordereau project meetings (problem solving) and answering Insurer Queries
• Assist the Assistant Finance Manager in the preparation of the Quarterly RMAR returns for Saga Services and Bennetts
• Preparation of the National Statistic Survey Reports
• Draft Corporation Tax Analysis, VAT and Insurance Premium Tax returns for review for Saga Services prior to submission to HMRC
• Maintenance of the Invoice Authority Matrix and facilitating all new bank mandate requests to the Finance Board via Treasury
• Updating all suppliers, and staff bank details within the finance system
• Maintenance and review of the Fixed Asset Register, providing an annual proposal of disposals
• Preparation of the Healix Report
• Aid the Assistant Finance Manager in the delivery of Saga Services internal financial reports, each month end and year end, to track the company’s position at each balance sheet date. This will include the preparation of journals, analytical reviews and balance sheet reconciliations
• Working closely with the Saga Services finance teams to ensure the data used across the business is accurate and consistent
• Contribute to the bedding in of the new insurance platform - SID (Guidewire)
• Support of the Financial Due Diligence process in relation to prospective suppliers
• Work closely with the External Auditors providing data, information and explanations to them as required
• Continually review and improve the control and process environment
• Support a “One Saga” team environment to ensure that silo behaviour is not entrenched
• Support the team’s Assistant Finance Managers to identify areas of risk or lack of resilience
• Proactive approach to sharing knowledge and understanding issues in the wider Services Finance Team

The Ideal Candidate

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to quickly digest detailed and complex information
• Able to quickly spot control risks within complex systems and companies, and design and implement processes to prevent or mitigate them
• Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word), ability to analyse large databases quickly and efficiently
• Knowledge and competence in financial and management accounts reporting
• Able to manage and prioritise own workload without continuous oversight
• experience working for a medium or large size organisation

Education and Qualifications:

• ACCA, ACA or CIMA part qualified

 Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and through presentation of written data
• Self-starter with good initiative
• Motivated and passionate about delivering a quality product
• Flexible approach to work - a good team player who is also able to work independently
• A disciplined and systematic approach to planning and delivering

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include:

• Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
• Pension
• AXA Be Supported
• Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
• Free fruit 
• Give as you earn
• Free eye tests
• Honeymoon benefit
• Sharebuy
• Salary finance
• Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Long service awards

About the Company

When you join Saga you will see that 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. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.

Learn more about the Saga business by watching our Saga plc Interim results for the six months ended 31st July 2018

To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Saga Group