Chartered Accountant Job Description Template for Recruiters and HR

The Chartered Accountant role is suited to a fully qualified accountant with demonstrable experience in statutory reporting, tax compliance and financial control. Candidates who apply should be confident preparing end of period accounts, liaising with auditors and advising management on financial performance and regulatory requirements.

Chartered Accountant Job Profile

This role provides technical accounting expertise to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with applicable accounting standards. The chartered accountant will own month-end and year-end processes, prepare statutory accounts and support audit and tax matters.

The post exists to maintain robust financial controls, deliver timely management information and contribute to business decision making through clear analysis and recommendations. The role typically reports to the finance manager or head of finance and may involve supervision of junior staff.

Chartered Accountant Job Description

The chartered accountant is responsible for producing reliable financial statements in accordance with applicable standards, coordinating external audits and ensuring statutory and tax filings are accurate and timely. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to apply accounting policy consistently across reporting cycles.

In day-to-day work the incumbent will prepare management accounts, analyse variances, support budgeting and forecasting activities and recommend improvements to financial processes and controls. The role involves regular interaction with internal stakeholders and external advisers to resolve accounting queries and to support strategic financial planning.

Expectations include meeting deadlines for month-end and year-end close, maintaining up-to-date technical knowledge of accounting standards and legislation, and contributing to process documentation and staff development where appropriate.

Chartered Accountant: Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate month-end and year-end financial statements and ensure timely close processes.
• Compile statutory accounts and coordinate the annual audit with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with tax legislation and prepare tax returns and supporting schedules for review.
• Produce management accounts with clear commentary on variances and financial performance.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations and resolve reconciling items promptly.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and cash flow planning cycles, providing scenario analysis.
• Implement and monitor internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate reporting.
• Apply and interpret accounting standards for complex transactions and ensure consistent treatment.
• Lead or support accounting system reconciliations and month-end routines.
• Liaise with external advisers on audit, tax and regulatory matters and prepare required schedules.
• Provide technical accounting advice to colleagues and support process improvements.
• Prepare consolidation entries and intercompany reconciliations where applicable.
• Assist in the development of financial policies, process documentation and best practice.
• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff and review their work for accuracy.

Chartered Accountant: Requirements and Qualifications

• Fully qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CA or equivalent) with recognised professional qualification.
• Typically at least two years post-qualification experience in a financial reporting role.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards such as IFRS and UK GAAP and their practical application.
• Proven experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting external audits.
• Sound understanding of corporate tax compliance and related reporting requirements.
• Excellent numeracy, analytical and problem solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to produce clear management information and explain financial results to non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience implementing and maintaining internal controls and accounting processes.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Experience in consolidation, intercompany accounting and complex reconciliations where relevant.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and keeping up to date with regulatory changes.