Senior System Accountant

Due to continuing growth and development of Merlin's attractions and brands on a global scale, we are looking for a Senior System Accountant to join our Group Finance team on a permanent basis. The role will be based at our Finance Hub in Basingstoke, with a hybrid element for those looking for more flexibility.

Joining our team as a Senior System Accountant means taking charge of a critical aspect of our organisation's operations. You'll be at the forefront of integrating and optimising our financial systems to ensure smooth functionality and accurate reporting.

Financial Systems Management Your primary responsibility will be to oversee and manage the integration and functionality of our financial systems. This involves not only ensuring that these systems are effectively integrated but also making sure they meet the evolving needs of our organisation.

Data Analysis and Reporting You'll be diving deep into data using SQL, extracting insights that drive decision-making. Investigating queries and issues will be a regular part of your day, allowing you to provide actionable reports to management that inform strategic direction.

System Optimisation Identifying opportunities for improvement is key. You'll lead projects aimed at enhancing financial processes and reporting capabilities. This could involve streamlining workflows, implementing new technologies, or optimising existing tools.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaboration is central to this role. You'll work closely with our Technology team and other departments to ensure that our financial systems are compatible with other platforms within the organisation. This ensures seamless data flow and consistency across functions.

Training and Support Sharing your expertise is vital. You'll provide training and ongoing support to finance team members, ensuring they are equipped to leverage new systems and updates effectively. This empowers our team to make the most out of our financial tools.

Compliance and Controls In today's regulatory environment, compliance is non-negotiable. You'll play a key role in ensuring that our financial systems adhere to industry regulations and internal controls, safeguarding the integrity of our financial data.

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA or similar) is preferred.


• Strong knowledge of SQL, writing complex SQL queries to extract data and develop SQL stored procedures for reporting.


• Strong knowledge of Power Query, Power Pivot and Power BI


• Good understanding of key database and BI principles.


• Strong understanding of key business processes (POP, SOP, Bank Reconciliations)


• Strong understanding of accounting principles and how to apply these to new developments


• Adaptable and flexible to learning new technology such Microsoft Fabric and Python.


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision


• Ability to use own initiative to identify areas of improvement


• Ability to discuss and convey technical systems and accounting information with non-technical users


• Proven experience in managing and implementing financial systems


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.


• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities to interact with various stakeholders.


• Speaking a European language is an advantage


• Understand project management best practice to ensure that programme deliverables and milestones are met and to agreed quality standards.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Proficient in MS office, including Projects and PowerPoint.


• Experience of delivering high-quality work on time in a fast-paced environment.


• Strong business finance acumen and analytical skills.


• Experience in point of sale / retail systems would be an advantage
  
  A job with Merlin isn't like a job anywhere else. With attractions around the world, from rollercoasters to wax figures, we don't trade in suits, handshakes or briefcases. We trade in fun. In smiles, shrieks and spine-tingles. In Memories. In magic. But there are no tricks behind our magic. Instead, there are people like you. Passionate, dedicated people who are committed to making sure our worldwide attractions and guests' experiences are the best they can be.
  
  We're growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects - ideal if you're already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days' holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!