Graduate Trainee Accountant

Reporting to the Manager, UK & HQ Financial Accounting, the Financial Accountant is an important member of the Head Office Financial Accounting team. The role supports business preparation of statutory accounts for all UK legal entities, and contributes to the successful completion of the group audit.

Main Responsibilities:

• Perform monthly close activities for our UK & Ireland companies, including checks, analysis, and preparation of journals for accruals, amortisations, loyalty scheme accounting, intercompany settlements, intercompany and fuel voucher invoicing, office rentals, currency revaluations, joint venture accounting, and other ad hoc entries.
• Contribute to the timely and accurate submission of monthly reporting to US Headquarters
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations to the required standard, ensuring all open items are investigated, followed up, and cleared promptly.
• Collaborate with the team to respond to KPMG audit queries during Interim and Final Group audits, providing timely and accurate supporting evidence.
• Assist in preparing statutory accounts for Valero UK companies, including supporting schedules and documentation to meet external audit requirements.
• Post ledger entries to convert US GAAP figures (for Group reporting) into UK GAAP for statutory purposes.
• Support ad hoc projects as required.

Qualifications and Competencies:
• Degree or A level education with work experience in a finance department and some accounting exam study. Some practical experience in financial accounting & UK statutory accounts preparation would be an advantage.
• Desire to study towards a professional accounting qualification such as ACCA.
• Proficient in Excel and comfortable adopting new systems and technology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with excellent interpersonal abilities.
• High numerical ability with an analytical mindset and strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic, optimistic, and able to contribute to a positive team culture.
• Strong work ethic with a sense of urgency in executing and completing tasks.