Fixed term contract (12 months) Accountant (Balance Sheet and Process Improvement)

Cambridge (50/50 hybrid)

£55,000-£65,000 per annum

We are currently working with a large service organisation based in Cambridge who are looking for a qualified / qualified by experience Accountant to join their finance team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This role will play a key part in strengthening balance sheet governance, improving financial controls, and driving process efficiencies across core balance sheet areas.

The Role

Reporting to the Finance Manager and working closely with the General Ledger Manager and wider GL team, you will take ownership of balance sheet integrity. Your focus will be on improving reconciliations, enhancing ledger hygiene, and embedding robust, well-controlled processes that reduce risk and manual effort.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong accountant who enjoys improving how things are done and making a tangible impact in a complex finance environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure balance sheet accounts are accurate, supportable and fully reconciled on a timely basis
• Identify and implement balance sheet process improvements, strengthening controls and reducing risk
• Support month-end close, including ownership of selected routine tasks
• Assist with internal and external audit requirements, responding to audit queries as required
• Provide ongoing support to the General Ledger Manager and Finance Manager
• Carry out ad hoc duties in line with the needs of the finance function

What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months)

• Clear improvement in the quality, timeliness and consistency of balance sheet reconciliations
• Reduction in aged or unexplained balance sheet items
• Improved ledger cleanliness and overall data quality
• Positive feedback from auditors and senior finance stakeholders

About You

You will be a qualified accountant / qualified by experience with a strong technical background and a controls-focused mindset, comfortable working across complex balance sheet areas.

Essential experience and skills:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) / qualified by experience 
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with a balance sheet focus
• Proven experience of:
  
  • Balance sheet reconciliations
  • Ledger management and clean-up
  • Month-end close processes
• Working knowledge of IFRS 16 lease accounting and rent prepayments would be advantageous
• Experience working with auditors and handling audit queries
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the bigger picture
• Confident communicator, able to explain complex accounting issues clearly
• Highly organised, analytical and adaptable, with a track record of delivering results

If you’re a proactive accountant who enjoys driving improvement and wants to make a meaningful impact within a respected global organisation, we’d love to hear from you.