Financial Accountant

Job description

Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri) Environmental Conditions Office Job Description As part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will perform meaningful work that contributes to our Mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Our Finance teams partner with business and functional leaders to support informed decision-making, protect the company’s assets and maintain Thermo Fisher Scientific’s position as a stable and trusted industry leader. We are seeking an experienced Accountant III to join the Accounting and Controllership team supporting the PDX business in Birmingham. The position is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring timely and reliable financial reporting, and supporting compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements and company policies. The successful candidate will take ownership of general ledger and period-end accounting activities, including journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, financial statement preparation and variance analysis. The role will work closely with Finance leadership, business partners and internal and external auditors to safeguard financial integrity, strengthen controls and support the achievement of business objectives. As an experienced member of the team, you will identify and implement opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting quality, controls and operational efficiency. How You Will Make an Impact You will support the financial accuracy, control and integrity of the PDX business by ensuring that transactions are recorded correctly, financial statements are complete and reporting deadlines are achieved. You will apply a strong understanding of IFRS and US accounting requirements, internal controls and financial systems to identify and mitigate risk. Through effective cross-functional collaboration, you will provide reliable financial information that enables management to make informed business decisions. What You Will Do Perform monthly, quarterly and annual closing activities, including the preparation and posting of journal entries, accruals, prepayments and accounting adjustments. Take ownership of general ledger accounting and ensure the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of financial records. Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations, income statement accounts and supporting financial schedules. Prepare and analyse financial statements, management reports and supplementary reporting. Perform variance analysis, flux monitoring and investigation of unusual or unexpected financial movements. Ensure compliance with applicable UK and US GAAP requirements, company accounting policies, Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, approval authority matrices and standard operating procedures. Evaluate accounting treatments for complex or non-routine transactions and maintain appropriate supporting documentation. Monitor financial transactions and data flows to identify inaccuracies, control weaknesses or compliance risks. Recommend and implement changes that strengthen the financial control environment. Support internal and external audits by preparing schedules, documentation, reconciliations and responses to audit enquiries. Work with business partners and Finance colleagues to resolve accounting issues and improve the quality of financial information. Maintain effective data stewardship by following applicable data retention, privacy, security and documentation requirements. Ensure appropriate data security and financial controls are maintained within the ERP system, financial reporting tools and related data flows. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, standardisation, automation and control across accounting operations. Support Finance leadership with financial analysis and other activities required to achieve business objectives. Manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate work within a deadline-driven environment. Education and Experience A recognised professional accounting qualification, or proven progress towards qualification. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline. At least five years of relevant accounting or finance experience, including substantial experience in general ledger or record-to-report accounting. Experience working in a multinational, matrixed or complex business environment is preferred. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles, financial reporting standards and internal controls. Working knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS and other applicable accounting standards is advantageous. Strong experience with month-end close processes, journal entries, accruals and account reconciliations. Ability to prepare and analyse complex financial reports and supporting schedules. Experience performing variance analysis and investigating financial movements. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with financial reporting and analysis tools. Experience using an ERP system such as IFS, SAP, Oracle or a comparable platform. Experience with Hyperion or a similar consolidation and reporting system is desirable. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail. Sound judgement and the ability to assess accounting, compliance and control matters. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate across Finance, operational teams and other business functions. Ability to challenge existing processes constructively and proactively identify new insights and solutions. Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding reporting deadlines. Travel Requirements Less than 25% domestic and international travel may be required.