Financial Accountant

Annual salary: £37,000 to £52,000 per annum (DOE)

We are thrilled to be seeking a Financial Accountant to join our Forge Finance Team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract!

At Forge Holiday Group, we don’t just do holidays, we create memories. With market-leading brands like Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays, and Bachcare in New Zealand, we’re 1,700+ strong and powered by four values: One Business One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.

What You Need To Know:

Salary: £37,000 to £52,000 per annum (DOE)

Contract Type: 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Location: Chester HQ - Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Report To: Senior Financial Accountant

Team: Operational Finance - Financial Accounting

+ ️ Working Pattern: 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday, 9am until 5:30pm

About the Role:

The Financial Accountant is responsible for the financial management and reporting of existing and newly acquired companies, divisions and departments within Forge Group. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, business partnering skills, and the ability to deliver timely and accurate financial information to internal and external stakeholders. You will work collaboratively across the business, supporting acquisitions, managing statutory reporting requirements and continuously improving our finance processes.

Your Responsibilities:

Managing and owning the full financial reporting for specific divisions, brands and profit/cost centres, including operational accounting, forecasts and results.

Taking on new reporting responsibilities for acquired businesses and maintaining ownership of their financials.

Preparing comprehensive month-end and year-end financial reporting for Board and stakeholder review.

Producing individual company statutory accounts and supporting the consolidation and preparation of year-end statutory consolidated accounts compliant with FRS101/IFRS.

Supporting external audit requirements and managing the external audit process.

Assisting with acquisition accounting support and follow up as required.

Working with the finance team to integrate accounting systems for new business segments into our back office and accounting software.

Liaising with and providing finance support to staff at regional offices and sites.

Providing clear commentary and analysis to support decision-making across the organisation.

Supporting internal audit and compliance requirements as needed.

Assisting with the completion of returns and other compliance requirements.

Working with management to specify accounting requirements for new developments and managing go-live processes.

Identifying and proactively developing opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency.

Ensuring compliance with relevant financial controls, data protection and confidentiality requirements at all times.

Essential Experience:

You’ll Bring

Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or actively training for a professional qualification

Proven experience preparing month-end, year-end and statutory financial reporting

Experience working in a fast-paced finance environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel to an intermediate or higher standard

Experience of preparing statutory accounts for senior review

Knowledge of FRS101/IFRS accounting standards

Strong numeracy skills and meticulous attention to detail

Ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to business partner effectively

Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

The ability to challenge constructively

• Desirable Experience
• Experience working with SAP Business By Design
• Experience in a multi-entity or Group finance environment
• Experience supporting budgeting and forecasting processes

Experience utilising AI or automation tools in day-to-day finance processes

Forge Holiday Group Benefits:

Annual bonus scheme based on company performance

✈️ 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service.

Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish.

A day off for your birthday

✋ 2 volunteering days per year.

✨ Access to Spark, our health and wellbeing platform

❤️‍Health cash plan & life assurance.

Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay).

Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family.

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Training & development opportunities.

‍ + ️ On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station).

Employee savings scheme

Long service awards and company events

Diversity and Inclusion: We encourage and welcome our people to bring their authentic and best selves to work every day. We know the power that comes from different ideas, backgrounds and perspectives. We recognise the role diversity plays in achieving our goals as a business. We actively welcome applications from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible. If you need any particular support or accommodations as part of your application process, please get in touch - our recruitment team are happy to help.

Interested in joining Forge Holiday Group? Apply now or share with someone exceptional.