Senior Accountant

Overview

An established international manufacturing company is seeking a seasoned Senior Accountant to join their team in Shannon, County Clare, Ireland. This role is an integral part of the finance leadership team, contributing significantly to financial reporting, compliance adherence, strategic business partnering, and aiding decision-making processes across various departments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting functions for the Irish operations and provide support to global sites as needed.
• Manage the general ledger and handle month-end journal entries encompassing accruals, prepayments, payroll, and intercompany transactions.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in deliverables.
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations and address any outstanding issues.
• Generate monthly management accounts including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Analyze financial outcomes, investigate variances, and deliver actionable insights to guide decision-making.
• Contribute to group-level reporting through consolidation and usage of reporting systems.
• Prepare VAT returns along with related tax reconciliations.
• Manage intercompany accounting processes and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Assist with statutory accounts preparation, support audits, and ensure tax compliance.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance efforts, including documenting and testing key financial controls.
• Champion process enhancements to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and governance of financial reporting.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and comprehensive financial planning tasks.
• Collaborate with operational teams to evaluate business results, profitability, and cash flow.
• Handle inventory accounting, product costing, variance analysis, and assessment of capital expenditures.
• Assist treasury functions and cash management operations.
• Mentor junior members of the finance team to support their growth and development.
• Participate in finance transformation initiatives and other specialized projects as they arise.

Qualifications and Experience

• Professional qualification as an accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• At least 7 years of accounting experience within the manufacturing or industrial sector.
• Proven expertise in financial reporting, month-end closing, and management accounting.
• Experience working in multinational corporations is preferred.
• Familiarity with audit processes, statutory reporting, and compliance obligations.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Solid knowledge of financial controls, accounting standards, and regulatory principles.
• Practical experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or comparable platforms.
• Understanding of inventory accounting, product costing, standard costing, variance analysis, and capital investment appraisal.
• Competence in VAT and indirect tax compliance procedures.

Additional Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel coupled with strong analytical skills.
• Familiarity with Power BI or similar financial reporting tools is advantageous.
• Strong communication capabilities and adeptness at managing stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent attention to detail and capability to maintain deadlines in a demanding environment.
• A strategic commercial outlook with the ability to convert financial data into meaningful business recommendations.
• Experience with automation, artificial intelligence, or financial process improvement projects would be a plus.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive remuneration along with an attractive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work within a globally recognized manufacturing enterprise.
• Exposure to diverse functions including finance, operations, and commercial.
• Strong prospects for career advancement within a global setting.
• An inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.