Group Business Accountant

About the role

Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight. Across our three businesses - The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world. As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised. Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of Statutory accounts for TEG entities across the group, including but not limited to UK, Europe, Asia and India.
• Assist with preparation of Interim and Annual Reports for shareholders.
• Ownership of the InterCompany process to ensure invoicing, remittances and reconciliations are timely and accurate.
• Close engagement with auditors to ensure timely completion of audit, including timely closure of queries and provision of all supporting documentation.
• Oversee legal and statutory compliance for the local entities in the UK, Europe and India, ensuring adherence to local regulatory and reporting requirements, including online submissions on regulatory portals.
• Preparation and ownership of internal management accounts for key Group functions covering variance analysis to budget, forecast and prior year alongside commentaries, including regular accounting and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Continuously review the efficiency and effectiveness of the accounting and reporting function and implement simplification initiatives.
• Update and maintain monthly exchange rates for the Group reporting process and calculate monthly loan interest and foreign exchange (FX) movements.
• Experience, skills and professional attributes
• Education and training:
• Qualified Accountant with 2-3 years of post qualification experience.
• Strong academics
• Previous work experience
• Experience of management accounting including accruals/prepayments and variance analysis.
• Balance sheet and cash flow preparation
• Audit coordination
• Statutory reporting
• IFRS and technical accounting knowledge
• Management accounting knowledge
• Consolidation of group results
• Technology
• ERP knowledge (PeopleSoft experience advantageous)Strong Excel skills
• Personal skills
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Ability to take initiative
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• #LI-Hybrid
• Working Arrangements
• The majority of our roles operate on a hybrid working pattern, with 3+ days office attendance required.
• AI usage for your application

Requirements

• We are seeking a Group Business Accountant to support accounting activities across the Group's accounting functions.
• This individual will work within the Group Finance team and report to the [TBD]. The position requires strong attention to detail, effective cross-functional coordination, and a solid working knowledge of IFRS and accounting standards.

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