Financial Accountant

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

We are looking for a financial accountant to join our Lesaffre finance team, based in Kidderminster and Worcester.

This is a brand-new role, as we are embarking on an exciting new project to bring the financial accounting function of a sister company, a Lesaffre subsidiary (in Ireland) into our UK finance team.

This is a highly strategic, visible and important project at Lesaffre, as we seek to continuously improve both the quality and efficiency of our finance function.

Currently, Ireland’s finance function is performed by an external provider. Over the remainder of 2025, we will insource to the UK, making the UK finance team a shared service hub.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a key player in the project implementation phase to move the financial accounting from the external Irish consultant into the UK finance team.
• Preparing periodic financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and supporting backup.
• Delivery of the monthly close process, analysing transactions and preparing required journals with supporting schedules.
• Generate accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and other financial reporting requirements.
• Preparation and delivery of statutory accounts, statistical returns, internal and external audits within agreed timetables.
• Assist with the annual audit process and respond to auditor inquiries.

• Inter-company reconciliations for both P&L and balance sheet accounts across multiple entities across AP and AR.
• Supporting accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including cash allocation, bank reconciliations, payments, and collections.
• Monitor and evaluate existing systems and processes to drive (and action) continuous improvement and standardisation.
• Supporting processing of payroll and associated benefits (e.g. Pension)
• Supporting board pack preparation and commercial reporting.
• Preparation of VAT and Intrastat workings and filings with associated reconciliations.
• Handle enquiries from tax authorities.
• Processing of expenses and mileage claims.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and support business operations.
• Other ad-hoc financial reporting and duties that may be required.

• Proven experience in a similar financial accounting or ready to make the next step.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and practices.
• Experience and confidence using financial software and O365.
• Knowledge of Ireland financial management would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of SAP 4/HANA and HFM would be an advantage.
• Good Communication skills
• Strong attention to detail.
• Being a proactive, resourceful and positive team player.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines particularly during project implementation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Location - Worcester/Kidderminster
25 days Holiday + 8 bank holidays
Access to the Reward Gateway and Westfield Health Cashback plan