Group Financial Accountant
| Posting date: | 03 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £45,000.0 to £60,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Salary up to £60,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 April 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington, County Durham, TS1 1QA |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 4776020_1772551409 |
Summary
Group Financial Accountant (12 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 Doing
You'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.
What We're Looking For
- 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.
What's on Offer!
- 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.
If you're a technically strong accountant looking for a rewarding contract role with great flexibility and exposure, this could be the perfect next step.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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