Job Description

Job Title: Accountant II

Business Unit: Corporate – Littlehampton, UK

Reports To: Senior Accountant

RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with us through a recruitment agency, this temporary Accountant II position is responsible for supporting the company’s financial record-keeping and reporting requirements and to ensure compliance with US and other GAAP, corporate policies and procedures, and common ethical practices. This is a hands-on position that requires the individual to be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with effective communication. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills; demonstrated successful organizational and time management skills; problem solving abilities; and international business acumen.

This individual completes the tasks necessary to accurately present the financial condition and results of operations of the company. In addition, the individual will have the skills necessary to analyse and provide reports and communications to higher level management about the specific areas of responsibility. The position is based at the European Regional Offices in Littlehampton, UK.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for General Ledger of assigned entities, and the oversight of the Banking, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Revenue Recognition, Fixed Assets & Inter-company activities of the same entities.
• Prepares and records journal entries, e.g.
  • Calculation of other accruals.
  • Payroll accounting and reconciliation.
  • Preparation of data for holiday accruals.
  • Prepayments.
  • Internal and External commissions
• Complete / contribute towards the production of high quality, accurate and detailed balance sheet reconciliations monthly, in-line with Corporate’s timetable / guidelines.
• Providing a link between the global shared service centre and the regional business / vendors.
• Reviews system generated transactions for reasonableness.
• Provides record of assets, liabilities and other financial transactions.
• Ensures compliance with internal controls accounting process documentation (i.e. SOX 404).
• Communicates with vendors, banks and employees in sister companies to resolve accounting and transactional issues.
• Produce, maintain and analyse management reports/financial information.
• Develop and interpret reports and records for managers/stakeholders.
• Assistance with audit query resolution.
• Support the Senior Accountant and other members of the regional finance team as and when required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in a standard office environment and uses general office equipment.
• Significant amount of communication with AE’s Corporate, Business Unit and Shared Service Finance teams.
• It is highly likely that some extended hours will be required to meet the tight month end close schedule.

SKILLS:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), a second European language, particularly German is advantageous.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to work under limited supervision.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, other GAAP experience is advantageous.
• Working knowledge of internal control environments and compliance with Sarbanes Oxley Act.
• Advanced Excel capabilities and accounting software including SAP and Blackline.
• Education and experience to solve issues and improve processes.
• Results oriented communication and team interaction.
• Proficient in other Microsoft applications including Word and Outlook.

EXPERIENCE:

• Essential:
  • 3 – 6 years experience in accounting related fields.

• Desirable:
  • Experience with ERP systems, SAP highly desirable.
  • Experience working for a US led multi-national company.
  • Working within a manufacturing organisation.

EDUCATION:

Desirable:

• Professional Accounting Qualification (ACCA, CIMA) or part qualified and actively studying.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• A passion to always deliver to the best of their ability.
• A strong team player focused on the success of the team as much as their own.
• A constant commitment to deliver on time and with the highest quality.
• A want to continually develop and grow within the role and the role itself.
• A proactive delivery, staying close to the detail whilst being able to see the big picture.