Assistant Financial Accountant

Salary

• Based in Stockport, hybrid working with 3 days onsite
• Reporting to Financial Controller
• ​Study support available

At Stagecoach, finance plays a critical role in supporting one of the UK's largest public transport operators. Behind every journey is a team of finance professionals providing the insight, accuracy and control that helps our business make informed decisions and plan for the future. We're looking for an Assistant Financial Accountant to join our Shared Service Centre in Stockport. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong grounding in accounting principles who is looking to expand their experience within a large, fast-paced organisation. Working closely with the Financial Controller and Management Accountants, you'll support the delivery of accurate financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting activities and statutory accounting requirements while developing your own technical accounting expertise.

What you'll be doing:

• Preparing and posting journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Completing balance sheet and general ledger reconciliations.
• Analysing financial data and investigating variances.
• Supporting the production of monthly management accounts and year-end financial statements.
• Assisting with audit preparation and the delivery of audit requirements.
• Supporting the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
• Working closely with internal departments to resolve discrepancies and improve financial processes.
• Assisting with VAT return preparation and compliance activities.
• Ensuring adherence to financial policies, controls and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting ad-hoc finance projects and activities as required by the Financial Controller and wider finance leadership team.

What we're looking for

Technical Knowledge

• A good understanding of double-entry bookkeeping.
• Experience of accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to investigate and interpret financial information.
• Experience working within a finance, accounting or shared service environment.

Qualifications

• Are studying towards, or keen to begin, a professional accounting qualification such as AAT, ACCA, CIMA or ACA.
• Have a genuine interest in developing a long-term career within finance.
• Systems & Excel Skills

You'll be confident using:

• Microsoft Excel, including functions such as XLOOKUP, SUMIFS and Pivot Tables.
• Financial systems and accounting software.
• Data analysis tools to support reporting and decision-making.

Why join Stagecoach?

This is an opportunity to join a large and established organisation where you'll gain exposure to a broad range of accounting activities and develop experience across financial reporting, management accounting, budgeting and compliance. You'll work alongside experienced finance professionals in a collaborative environment that supports learning, development and career progression. Whether you're early in your accounting career or looking for your next step, we'll give you the opportunity to build valuable experience within a business that makes a real difference to communities across the UK.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

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