Group Accountant

Job description
Technical accounting expert for the group. Guide the business on technical accounting matters, including leading projects on adoption of new accounting standards across the group worldwide. Responsibility for the accounting process for production of the annual report and accounts and interim statements. SOX control owner.

Group technical accounting expert
• Provide guidance to the business on technical accounting matters, including the impact of new or updated accounting standards. Be the first point of contact for business units and central functions on technical accounting issues

Provision of guidance on external reporting requirements, including the Group Annual Report and UK statutory accounts

Keep up to date with all technical accounting developments and pro-actively communicate potential impact to Group Financial Controller, CFO and other business stakeholders (including the impact on the group of new accounting standards)

Lead the Group goodwill impairment review process, including calculation of Group WACC rates

Manage the Group IFRS 2 Share-based Payments and EPS reporting

First point of contact with external auditors in relation to the above.

External Reporting
• Lead the process for preparation of the ‘Financial Statements’ section of the Rentokil Initial plc annual report and contribute to other areas (strategic report and governance sections) as necessary

Be the main point of contact with the audit team and facilitate an efficient audit of the annual report

Be the finance lead on the team preparing the annual report (including ESEF and SEC tagging)

Perform the same role for half year interim statements

Lead preparation of statutory accounts for certain UK entities, and provide guidance to other preparers.

What your need to succeed:

ACA or ACCA equivalent qualified accountant with relevant accounting experience

Experience of working on preparation of listed company annual report and accounts, either as a preparer or an auditor

Experience of preparing statutory and management accounts

Strong general IT, spreadsheet and analysis skills

UK GAAP and IFRS knowledge essential

Focused on strong internal controls and operating a rigorous daily and monthly reporting process

Experience establishing & maintaining relationships with individuals at all levels of the organisation

The role requires someone who is delivery and deadline focused particularly around key deliverable dates.