Accountant (Payroll & Accounting)

Position Overview: Reporting to the Regional Financial Controller, we are seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Accountant and Payroll Administrator to join our finance team. This dual-role position is ideal for someone looking to develop their accounting skills while gaining valuable experience in payroll administration. The successful candidate will assist in maintaining accurate financial records and ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting Duties:

• Supporting the preparation of management account packs, including insights into performance against forecasts, budgets, prior month and target drivers of variance.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness, investigating variances and actively resolving these in a timely manner.
• Ensure that general ledger accounts are reconciled on a timely basis keeping management informed of any activities/issues.
• Provide input to monthly management accounting review meetings with senior regional finance personnel.
• Support FP&A in their preparation of budgets and forecasts, providing clear commentary and relevant cost updates.
• Record and reconcile daily financial transactions, such as cash.
• Provide support during group external audits and regional external audits, providing high quality outputs.
• Ensuring activities are completed on timely basis to meet reporting deadlines.
• Complete ad hoc requests to support the business as and when they arise.
• Work with global finance team to identify best practices that can be applied within the Europe operations.

Payroll Administration Duties:

• Comprehensive oversight and management of the entire payroll process, including serving as the primary liaison with the regional third-party payroll provider for Ensono in the EMEA region.
• Work closely with CPE to ensure successful, accurate and timely monthly payroll for employees.
• Ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Calculation of overtime and ad hoc payroll requests, supporting the business where required.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll and resolve any discrepancies.
• Reconciling monthly payroll figures (gross to net) and posting of monthly payroll journals to general ledger, including re-charges to other entities where appropriate.
• Stay updated on changes in payroll laws and regulations to ensure compliance and submission of annual payroll tax agreements.
• Ensuring all payroll documentation is filed both externally and internally and while maintaining the highest level of confidentiality.
• Identify areas for efficiency improvement across the payroll process and ensure we are getting value for money from our third-party payroll provider and/or improving processes internally.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in accounting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills coupled with a strong work ethic.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail, showing curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, ability to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• General understanding/experience of UK payroll
• Knowledge of Workday ERP