Controls Accountant

We are currently looking for a Controls Accountant for our client, Volkswagen Financial Services, in Milton Keynes. The role is initially until December 2020 however there is a chance of a long-term extension. You will be working 35 hours per week and will be paid £11.20ph. You will be working remotely initially but once the office opens, it's a great place to be and has free onsite parking! This role takes responsibility for the production and follow-up of a number of key control reconciliations to support the portfolio, as well as the development of process improvements to systems and the investigation of balances and reconciling items. The role is responsible for monthly reporting and analysis of financial data on aftersales and margin. Analysing that data and working collaboratively with other areas of Finance and the business to better understand and report these to Senior Management. Main duties: * To complete all relevant balance sheet reconciliations in a timely manner, providing summarised information for management. These include Contract Management system and SAP FI accounts across our product range. * Carry out key month end tasks, including analysis in accordance with the month end timetable. * Preparation of slides for the month end reporting packs for senior management and the board. * Monthly detailed analysis of data for the Aftersales Pricing Team, working closely with colleagues in controlling to understand variances from forecasts. * Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on various products and as a product/department specialist for key systems i.e. Contract Management System/SAP FI. Significantly this includes the New Finance Platform and PI Planning initiatives. * Understand the interaction and impact of subsidiary systems on the main accounting systems to ensure system integrity, particularly in relation to specific balance sheet and profit and loss accounts, highlighting issues as necessary. * Assist with any operational or accounting projects as required, collaborating with colleagues in IT to ensure clarity of issues/requirements for all change relating to accounting transactions is assessed. * Carry out ad-hoc analysis to deliver key operational/management information to differing audiences to help support decision making. * Be a primary contact for internal/external Auditors with the ability to provide background information and explain variances where necessary * Understand the impact of operational changes to procedures and core business systems in order to ensure correct accounting treatment and up to date posting books.. * Maintain a detailed knowledge of source data, and the structure and use of financial information from core systems which feeds into the financial statements. * Support colleagues within the Accounting Controls Team as required. * Perform/Support user acceptance testing (UAT) where appropriate to ensure that key controls are included within testing to deliver a robust solution Mandatory * Part qualified Accountant - ACCA/CIMA/ACA * Experience in an accounting environment - preferably in Financial Services * Excellent knowledge of Excel to a minimum of intermediate level. * Understanding of key accounting principles and concepts, in particular revenue recognition. Desirable * Working knowledge of SAP FI/CMS preferable * knowledge of Office applications (Powerpoint and Word) * Experience of managing relationships with multiple stakeholders If you have the required skills / experience and would like to apply, please send your CV for review.