We are seeking a confident and capable qualified or finalist-level Accountant to join our Oxford-based (OX4) client's Group Finance Reporting team on a temporary basis to provide maternity cover. This interim role requires a self-sufficient, hands-on finance professional with strong core accounting skills, able to take full responsibility for month-end close activities, multi-entity accounting, and group reporting tasks in a time-pressured environment.
Assistant Accountant key tasks & Responsibilities:
1. Take ownership of month-end close processes across several EMEAI subsidiaries, ensuring accurate and timely completion of key deliverables within the first 6 days of the month.
2. Prepare accruals, prepayments, and journals with high accuracy and professional judgement.
3. Lead on group-level close activities for accruals, prepayments, and investment bonds.
4. Perform and review cost-centre variance analysis for key departments (initially Finance and HR).
5. Support external financial reporting requirements at half-year and interims (31 December year-end), including audit support and documentation.
6. Manage liaison with local advisors in France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden - strong communication in English required; other language skills a plus.
7. Contribute to ad hoc financial projects and process improvements as required.
8. Support comp...