Project Accountant

Company description

The AA is truly a great British brand. Established in 1905 by 4 driving enthusiasts, it remains one of the most well-known and trusted brands in the UK with over 12m breakdown members. With more patrols and a higher quality service than any competitor (Which? recommended best breakdown cover) the AA is the undisputed leader in the sector. With that strong foundation, the AA is now focussed on a future vision to support all of the UK’s 17m drivers and make their driving lives simple and smart with data, digital and innovation at the heart of the transformation strategy. No one is better placed to deliver on this vision than the AA.

Location: Basingstoke (flexible working available)

Contract: Permanent - full time

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum DOE + benefits

This is the job

This is an interesting and varied role in which you will provide financial control and help to drive projects and process improvement across a range of disciplines from within the Finance Systems team.

What will I be doing?

• Offer advanced knowledge of financial accounting practices and principles across Finance Systems.
• Capture functional and non-functional requirements using interviews, process reviews, shadowing, document analysis, requirements workshops and any other analysis techniques as appropriate.
• Work with technical and finance business stakeholders to convert business requirements into relevant project documentation to deliver the needs identified.
• Ensure that all requirements are gathered in sufficient detail, and that detailed user acceptance test mechanisms for each requirement are embedded within documentation.
• Document findings in such a way as to be clear, concise, and actionable, while ensuring they are relevant to varied stakeholders.
• Identify and drive the implementation of process improvement and automation opportunities within Finance.
• Undertake ad hoc project support and analysis of cost & benefits to enable the business to better understand the cost/benefit drivers and support the business decision making process.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls are embedded into projects, financial systems and processes.
• Understand the core processes and areas of risk within the business area and work with the management team to mitigate them.
• Collaborate with developers, testers and subject matter experts and establish the technical vision and analyse trade-offs between usability, functionality and performance needs.

• Support and develop staff.
• Work with the Head of Finance Systems to enable accurate demand and resource planning.
• Ensure adherence to the FSA Treating Customers Fairly 6 Consumer Outcomes.
• Ensure GAAP compliance is embedded into change requirements and projects.

What do I need?

Capability and Knowledge

• Process driven, with strong problem solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and methodical.

• Excellent organizational skills with ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical customers

• Excellent at working with systems and varying technology platforms
• Ability to work with, and gain the confidence of, a wide variety of internal stakeholders and external partners and suppliers
• Strong team working and support ethos,
• Highly numerate with good communication skills, both verbal and written with strong report writing skills.
• Able to meet tight deadlines and deal with the prioritisation of conflicting requirements.
• Able to develop, manage and motivate more junior members of the team.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA) with experience gained in similar working environment.
• Proven track record in process improvement and automation
• Advanced professional knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
• SAP experience, (journal entry, ledger interrogation, using and understanding reports).

Additional Information

As a valued member of our team, you’ll have access to a range of fully supported development programmes, designed to help you progress in your career with us. Whether you’re looking to grow in your current role, or learn new skills and take on greater responsibilities, we can help you build the career you’re looking for here.

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll have access to, as part of our team:

• Discounted home and motor insurance
• Half price AA breakdown membership in your first year and free after 12 months, along with a 50% introductory discount off breakdown cover for 12 months for up to 5 friends/family members.

Plus, so much more!

Good conduct matters to us. Our teams are motivated by doing the right thing for both customers and colleagues, and in line with our values, we ask all our employees to act with honesty & integrity and respect for others at all times.

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from anyone regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

We hope to hear from you soon. #LI-TheAA