Group Accountant
Woking, Surrey / Hybrid
About James Walker Group
The family-owned James Walker Group provides solutions in sealing, rail track fixation and vibration attenuation. Our three trusted global, industrial brands; James Walker, edilon)(sedra and Tiflex offer high performance products and systems based on advanced materials technology and engineering.
Through decades of investment in people, research and development, manufacturing facilities, technology and distribution infrastructure, we have developed a reputation for high quality products and services. Today the Group employs circa 1,900 people and has a manufacturing and sales presence in 30 countries.
Your Role
James Walker Group Ltd is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Group Accountant to join its finance team at the Woking Head Office. Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, this role will play a key part in supporting the Group’s financial reporting, tax and compliance processes, while contributing to strategic finance projects and system implementations.
This is a varied role offering exposure to international operations and the opportunity to drive improvements in reporting, forecasting, and accounting practices.
Key Responsibilities
Group Reporting & Consolidation
- Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual group consolidation processes
- Analyse financial performance across subsidiaries and provide insights to senior management
- Manage intercompany eliminations and reconciliations
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
- Support the group budgeting and forecasting cycles, working closely with regional finance teams
- Provide variance analysis and actionable commentary on key financial trends
Technical Accounting & Projects
- Support the implementation and ongoing compliance with FRS 102 accounting standards, particularly:
- Revenue recognition under FRS 102 Section 23
- Lease accounting under FRS 102 Section 20
- Prepare technical accounting papers and ensure alignment with UK GAAP requirements
- Provide guidance and support to local finance teams on technical accounting matters
- Support insurance renewal process and risk management
- Support internal audits
Tax Compliance
- Assist in the review of UK corporation tax computations and returns
- Support the management of tax reporting, including UK current and deferred tax calculations under FRS 102
- Liaise with external advisors and ensure compliance with UK and international tax requirements
- Assist with the UK RDEC (Research & Development Expenditure Credit) claims
- Assist with the transfer pricing across the Group, included co-ordination of transfer pricing benchmarking studies and documentation update when required by audit
Systems & Process Improvement
- Support the team in the implementation of the LucaNet reporting and forecasting tool, including data validation and user training,
- Identify opportunities to improve financial reporting processes and drive automation and efficiency
- Support finance transformation initiatives across the Group
- Support the optimisation of the LucaNet financial consolidation and forecasting system
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with finance teams across multiple geographies
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors
- Support audit processes and provide required documentation and explanations
About you
Preferred Skills & Experience –
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with at least 3 years experience in the industry
- Proven experience in group accounting, consolidation, and reporting within a multi-entity organisation
- Experience with budgeting and forecasting processes at a group level
- Exposure to corporation tax and UK tax compliance requirements
- Understanding of FRS 102, particularly Sections 20 (Leases) and 23 (Revenue) (desirable)
- Familiarity with LucaNet or similar consolidation/reporting systems (desirable)
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High level of attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Proactive approach to improving processes and systems
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
For mor information please contact Christopher.Campbell@JamesWalker.biz
