Group Financial Accountant

Group Financial Accountant (12-15 Month Maternity Cover)Darlington Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days home) Up to £60,000 + Excellent Benefits
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Group Financial Accountant to join a leading Darlington-based organisation on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is a key role within a high performing Group Finance function, offering genuine breadth, technical challenge, and exposure to senior stakeholders across the business.If you're ACCA/ACA qualified, technically strong, and available immediately or on a short notice period, this is an ideal opportunity to step into a visible, influential position within a PLC environment.
What You'll Be DoingYou'll play a pivotal role in supporting the Group's financial reporting, technical accounting, and corporate finance activities, including:

• Assisting with the completion of the Group's PLC reporting requirements, including half year and year end financial statements, ensuring full compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Providing expert advice on technical accounting matters, including assessing the impact of changes in GAAP and supporting the development of Group accounting policies.
• Maintaining accurate accounting records for head office entities, including complex areas such as share based payments.
• Supporting the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting cycles, ensuring accuracy of corporate cost forecasts.
• Assisting with Group taxation affairs, including year end tax accounting, corporation tax compliance, and maintaining the Group tax risk register for the annual process.
• Managing relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including auditors, tax advisors, and other professional partners.
• Contributing to ad hoc finance and operational projects, including supporting financial reporting system implementations.

• ACCA or ACA qualified (or equivalent), with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Experience in a Group, PLC, or complex multi entity environment is highly advantageous.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build strong relationships across the business.
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive, solutions focused mindset.
• Ideally immediately available or on a maximum one month notice.

• Salary up to £60,000 (depending on experience).
• Hybrid working: 3 days in the Darlington office, 2 days from home.
• A comprehensive benefits package including pension, healthcare, and additional perks.
• The chance to join a respected, forward thinking organisation with a collaborative culture.
• A varied, high impact role where your expertise will genuinely make a difference.