Senior Accountant

Senior Financial Accountant – Balance Sheet & Control

Location: Leeds (Hybrid; flexible working considered, part-time options available)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview

Our client, a leading international insurer and risk partner, is seeking a Senior Financial Accountant to join the Balance Sheet & Control team within Financial Operations. This role has arisen due to internal advancement and offers the opportunity to drive process excellence, strengthen financial controls, and mentor colleagues across onshore and offshore teams.

You will own key elements of balance sheet substantiation, lead investigations on unsupported items, and partner with stakeholders across Finance and Audit to ensure robust reporting and continuous improvement.

Keywords: Balance Sheet Substantiation, Financial Control, Reconciliations, Variance Analysis, Process Improvement, IFRS, Oracle Fusion, BlackLine, SOX/Controls, Shared Services.

Responsibilities

• Build an in-depth understanding of the balance sheet through review of reconciliations and underlying accounting entries.
• Lead investigation and resolution of unsupported balance sheet items; drive timely remediation plans.
• Refine processes, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency, control, and data integrity across accounting activities.
• Deliver insightful variance and trend analysis to support senior stakeholders and decision-making.
• Oversee and mentor team members in the onshore function and offshore shared service centre.
• Represent Finance Operations in change initiatives and projects impacting accounting and control.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and risk awareness within Financial Operations.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 2+ years’ PQE, currently operating at Senior Accountant or Manager level (industry or practice).
• Strong grounding in best-practice accounting and financial controls; insurance and/or audit experience preferred.
• Proven experience embedding controls into processes and executing process improvements.
• Clear understanding of risk mitigation with a track record of investigating complex issues to resolution.
• Experience mentoring or developing team members.
• Advanced Excel skills; familiarity with accounting systems (e.g., Oracle Fusion, BlackLine) beneficial.
• Strong communication skills, stakeholder management, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave with the option to purchase up to 2 additional days.
• Flexible working options (including part-time, job share, and compressed hours).
• 10% employer pension contribution (auto-enrolment).
• Private medical insurance for you and your family.
• Family-friendly policies: 26 weeks’ leave at full pay, inclusive and gender-neutral.
• Short-term remote work abroad (up to 20 days per year in approved locations).
• Cycle-to-Work scheme (bikes and accessories up to £5,000).
• Commitment to sustainability, responsible investing, inclusion, and employee wellbeing.

Application Process

• Please submit your CV via the application portal. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interviews and skills-based assessments. Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process; adjustments can be provided upon request.