Description
As a Group Accountant at Benchmark, you will play a key role in ensuring the financial integrity, accuracy and compliance of multiple entities within our group structure. Reporting to the senior finance team, you will take ownership for the timely production of monthly management accounts, support quarterly Board reporting, and contribute to group-wide financial projects and consolidations as part of the Schroders Group.
This pivotal position will see you preparing financial statements in accordance with UK-Adopted International Accounting Standards and UK GAAP, as well as managing balance sheet reconciliations, leading audit readiness, and supporting tax compliance activities.
You will collaborate with colleagues across departments and business units to implement process improvements, drive efficiencies, and support the achievement of business unit objectives. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant, highly proficient in accounting software, with a solid understanding of the full end-to-end accounting cycle, and bring a proactive, analytical approach to their work.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce monthly management accounts for several Group subsidiaries, including full month-end processing and review to ensure accuracy and completeness
* Prepare quarterly Board report information
* Prepare and post nominal journals, manage fixed asset registers, accruals and prepayments, and oversee supporting audit files
* Supervise and review the work of team members involved in these areas
* Assist in the production of consolidated management accounts and the integration of results into Group (Schroders) accounts
* Create, manage and reconcile comprehensive and auditable balance sheets for Group entities
* Support the planning and management of the annual audit process
* Assist in preparing Group financial statements in line with UK-Adopted International Accounting Standards and UK GAAP
* Collaborate with the Group tax team to ensure timely completion and submission of tax returns (including VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE Settlement Agreements, and P11Ds)
* Respond to complex or ad-hoc accounting queries to support business unit objectives
* Assist with Group accounting projects, such as new system implementation, improvements to management information reporting, and finance process reviews and enhancements
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
* Qualified Accountant (newly qualified applicants welcome)
* Proficient in accounting software and highly IT literate
* Experience of the full end-to-end accounting cycle
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Broad knowledge of accounting principles, including UK GAAP (FRS 102) and IFRS
* Exposure to the production of financial statements, statutory returns and/or audit processes
* Experience in the financial services industry is desirable, but not essential
The base
You'll be based at the Benchmark Head Office, within our Broadlands Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex but will need to be present across our other offices, including the main Schroders headquarters in London. It has high standards and international reputation, without being in the city: a big, countryside campus means life will feel a little different.
We support our offices by using cutting edge software and hardware and our spacious campus facilities mean there's a great working environment for the team. With an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and gym, our campus has much to offer. And commuters can relax on our dedicated regular shuttle bus to and from Horsham's main line train station.
About Benchmark Capital
Benchmark is one of the UK's leading financial planning businesses, aiming to help our clients realise aspirations and achieve peace of mind. We do this through our unique business model which provides supports to over 1000 financial planners through our technology led platform across our employed, self-employed and independent segments. The solutions are award-winning, enabled by proprietary technology covering regulatory, platform and investment services, all of which are designed to support advisers at every step of their journey – from starting their career, improving how they run productively and effectively, to accelerating its growth and ultimately thinking about succession planning.
We operate offices across the UK, and have rapid expansion plans, and are highly acquisitive having made over 50 acquisitions over the last few years. We also provide integrated solutions incorporating our own investment, pension, platform, technology and compliance services.
As a financial planning business, we help people realise their aspirations and achieve peace of mind, and therefore ensuring good client outcomes is central to decision making. Our regulatory requirement to achieve positive consumer outcomes and to treat client fairly are embedded within our organisation, and we take responsibility for embracing and promoting our duty of care to all clients, including those who may be more vulnerable than others.
As part of the Schroders Plc Group, and the Schroders Wealth Division, Benchmark sits within the UK largest listed asset manager with over £750bn of assets. Benchmark has the benefit of having a focussed business model with clear accountability with the benefits of being part of one of the UK's largest financial services businesses.
We're looking for the best, whoever they are
We know that diverse perspectives and an inclusive culture where all can succeed lead to better decisions and stronger outcomes for the company its clients and its employees. That's why inclusion and diversity are strategic priorities for us. We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer. You're welcome at Benchmark regardless of your age, disability, gender identity or expression, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background. We're building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.