Role Title: / Reporting Accountant
Department: / BP Accounting
Location: / Colchester
Business Unit / UK Shared Services
Reports to: / Accounting Manager
Context and Role Purpose:
Informa plc is the leading provider of specialist information to the global academic and scientific, professional and commercial communities via publishing, events, business intelligence and exhibitions.
The UK Shared Service Centre (SSC) supports 4 market facing divisions which together represent c£1232 million revenue. Over the last 12 months, the focus has been to drive greater development, efficiencies and synergies across both the finance and customer operations areas; this is the continued strategy throughout 2015 and beyond. The UK Shared Services is based in Colchester and consists of approximately 280 staff.
Overall summary:
The BP Accounting function is responsible for the delivery of timely and accurate financial information for Business Partner decision making. Business partners include 4 market facing divisions, supported by 39 BP Accounting staff.
A key requirement of the function includes producing accounting data ‘right first time’ with minimal invention between initial submission and final reporting to Group. In support of this a Lean management project is currently taking place throughout the function to review processes and practices to ensure effective/efficient working and to encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
As Reporting Accountant you will be responsible for ensuring a high value service is provided to key business partners and Group, in particular being responsible for business facing communication. You will achieve this through effectively working with the team and AM to produce high quality accounts. Embracing a culture of Lean Management and continuous improvement will ensure you meet expectations and support the Finance Controller and Head of Business Partner Accounting move the function forward.
Responsibilities:
  • Reviewing & presenting management accounts to business
  • Reviewing Forecast, Trading Reports & KPIs
  • Reviewing Budgets
  • Develop various statistical reports
  • Reviewing Cash Flow and Cash Conversion reports
  • Assist in Business Planning Cycles
  • Variance reporting and commentary for review by AM for actual, budget & forecast
  • Weekly flash reports (ie: revenue tracking)
  • Owning all queries from Group including Actuals
  • Reviewing Balance Sheets for companies they responsible for
  • Escalating to AM key concerns
  • Dealing with complex accounting issues
  • The RA will be expected to cover for the AM during holiday, sickness, other out off office situations.
  • RA will lead some huddles and team meetings
  • Help with the coaching and training of accountants in their development
  • Publish results on SAP FC

Core Competencies / Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 / Level 4
Communication / √
Customer Focus / √
Team Work / √
Functional Competencies / Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 / Level 4
i.e. Finance / √
Person Profile:
Experience and Qualifications:
Essential:
  • ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualified accountant
  • Extensive accounting experience required with strong audit background
  • Proven experience of Financial Accounting
  • Strong background of Financial controls
  • Commercial & business awareness
  • Excellent communication skills to Finance & Non-Finance staff
Desirable:
  • Management skills (experience of having direct reports/supervising)
Characteristics Sought:
  • Strong presentation skills
  • Strong excel skills
  • Ability to improve processes & systems
  • Knowledge of problem solving within tight deadlines
  • Ability to interact at all levels
  • Ability to influence
  • Highly organised, diligent & proactive

Revised 2014