Accountant

Lead R2R Accountant

Manchester

6 months contract

Day Rate £600 via Umbrella Company

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them.

My client is one of the world's largest custodian bank and securities services company. Businesses, communities and global economies rely on them because they prioritize client experience, collaboration, innovation and resilience. As the "bank of banks," their unique perspective, informed by one of the largest datasets in the world, powers the financial industry. They understand the best way to succeed at anything is to Consider Everything. Guided by values and behaviours focused on excellence, integrity, diversity and leadership, their global team brings unique perspectives, experiences and skills to pioneer a new generation of financial services.

They are seeking a high-calibre Senior Finance Contractor to lead and enhance end-to-end Record-to-Report (R2R) processes within a complex, global financial services environment. This is a business-critical role requiring a technically strong, commercially aware finance professional who can operate at pace, drive process improvements, and ensure robust delivery across financial reporting, controls, and regulatory compliance. The position is based at their Manchester offices, with some expensed travel to Liverpool. You will be required to be in the office 4 days a week, 1 day working from home. Standard office hours with the occasional out of hours requirement during busy periods.

Key Responsibilities

R2R Leadership & Delivery

• Take ownership of end-to-end Record-to-Report processes, from transaction through to financial close and external reporting
• Ensure delivery of accurate, timely financial reporting in line with local and consolidated GAAP requirements
• Oversee and review complex journal entries, accruals, intercompany and adjustment postings
• Ensure integrity of trial balance and general ledger activity

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Lead adherence to SOX and regulatory controls, ensuring strong audit readiness at all times
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audits
• Identify control gaps and drive improvements to strengthen the control environment

Process Improvement & Change

• Drive continuous improvement across R2R processes, controls, and reporting frameworks
• Support and influence ERP implementations and enhancements (e.g. PeopleSoft or similar)
• Translate technical accounting guidance into practical, scalable processes

Complex Accounting & Technical Application

• Apply technical accounting guidance to new, complex, or non-routine transactions
• Support accounting treatment for one-off events, new products, or structural changes
• Document and standardise accounting processes across business units

Stakeholder & Business Support

• Partner with global finance teams, process owners, and business stakeholders
• Provide insight and clarity on financial data and reporting outputs
• Support ad hoc analysis, investigations, and senior stakeholder requests

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA or equivalent)
• Significant experience in R2R / financial accounting within a complex organisation, ideally financial services
• Strong knowledge of:
  • GAAP (local and consolidated)
  • SOX / controls frameworks
• Proven experience across full accounting lifecycle (transaction → close → reporting)
• Advanced experience in general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close
• Experience working in large, global or complex environments
• ERP systems experience (Oracle preferred)

Desirable

• Background in shared services or global operating models
• Exposure to transformation, system implementation, or process optimisation projects

Candidates must be able to show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered. Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.