Senior Group Accountant

About Dalkia in the UK:

Jointly owned by EDF Customers and Dalkia, we are a leading technical services group operating nationwide in the UK. Housing key expertise under one roof, we provide specialist technical services in technical facilities management, mechanical and electrical engineering, energy performance contracting and systems integration and digital services.

We leverage the strength of our Group, without losing the personability of a smaller business. We are a people-first culture. In fact, our customers tell us that we build the best people and customer relationships in the business.

With an annual turnover of over c.£600m, c. 5,000 employees and a diverse and inclusive ethos, we are proud to attract great talent, nurturing and inducting our people who embed the Dalkia DNA and apply an innovative mindset across all customer engagements.

With 106 employees, the Dalkia group centre has HR, Payroll, Finance, Legal, IT, QSHE and Communications teams supporting our business unit colleagues in these specialisms. We provide technical expertise, governance, policy, guidance and support to the business units to provide a high-quality service to their own people and their clients. Roles in the centre work closely with Executive team to shape and deliver our strategic goals but also partner with the business functions to embed the values, behaviours and strategic ambitions

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Accountant will  support the Group Financial Controller on the day-to-day operations of the central finance function which supports the Dalkia UK group of companies.  This includes performance monitoring of business units, shareholder reporting and coordination of the Dalkia UK audit and liaison with the group’s auditors In addition, the team is responsible for the review and maintenance of the financial controls across the business.

This is a key post ensuring that Dalkia Group is compliant and up to date with accounting standards and other financial statute and regulation. This will require a strong working relationship with the Group Financial Controller, divisional finance teams, legal team and auditors.

The post holder will be responsible for leading the interaction with key stakeholders within the business in respect of financial reporting and planning in order to inform, influence and challenge decision-making.

The post holder will also be part of the Dalkia Group planning and forecasting process including the annual budget and medium terms plan as well as regular forecasts to the year-end.

Principal Accountabilities

The role requires a flexible approach to meet the changing commitments of the department. The responsibilities are likely to include the following:

• Support the delivery of the Dalkia Group financial planning and forecasting processes, managing the activities of a number of stakeholders both in business and Dalkia Group.
• Oversee the production of the full Profit and Loss, balance sheet and cash flow for Dalkia Group ensuring data is an accurate representation of the performance and financial position of the business and can be reviewed by External Auditors.
• Lead in the delivery of monthly Management Accounts, including review of detailed variance analysis, various Executive/Board reports and reporting of monthly results to Dalkia SA corporate.
• Collaborate and influence where appropriate within the Finance teams, including the Risk & Control manager in the design, implement, manage and self-assess financial processes and internal controls.
• Lead the development of a robust internal control environment and be able to challenge existing finance processes where improvements are required.
•  Lead and support where required any project activities which impact upon Dalkia Group Finance Processes, using knowledge and experience to ensure that efficient and effective process controls are maintained throughout process changes.
• Lead and support internal audit reviews of business units
•  Review, support and challenge the quarterly analytical review and annual audit process, acting as key liaison with Company auditors, and any other external parties.
•  Engaging in the personal development of individuals within the team, ensuring all staff are appropriately trained for the post, strengthening business capability to drive optimal performance.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Accountant or individual suitably qualified by experience
• Ability to co-ordinate financial activities (e.g. monthly reporting or business planning) across a large organisation to ensure timely and accurate data
• Significant experience in a financial or management accounting role within a large organisation
• Financial management accounting experience within construction or FM maintenance would be an advantage
• Strong communication skills with all levels of management and staff
• Ability to build effective working level relationships across functions including at a senior level

Technical & Commercial Knowledge and Skills

• Some experience of BC and good Excel modelling skills would be an advantage
• Financial management accounting experience within construction or facilities maintenance utility would be an advantage
• Broad understanding of construction and maintenance operations
• Strong technical accounting knowledge is essential including the preparation of financial statements
• Flexible and methodical approach to ensure deadlines are achieved
• Demonstrates drive and commitment towards achieving targets. Good attention to detail and monitors own performance against expected results/outcomes
• A rigorous and organised approach to the production of financial information and good presentation skills. This specifically includes the ability to link disparate information, understanding trends and patterns which can then be turned into ideas, frameworks or proposals consistent with business needs
• The ability to adopt a questioning attitude in relation to information provided and the effectiveness of processes in place is a key competence area
• Act with complete integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to co-ordinate financial activities (e.g. monthly reporting or business planning) across a large organisation to ensure timely and accurate data
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written in order to communicate complex financial statements with all levels of management and staff
• High levels of personal confidence, credibility, professionalism and integrity, with track record in demonstrating the ability to work closely and build relationships with both Finance and non-Finance senior management
• Sound commercial acumen, with the ability to challenge commercial arrangements with authority and respect would be an advantage

Our Values:

• People First – it starts with health, safety and wellbeing: We look out for each other – not just making sure we’re physically safe but we look after each’s wellbeing too.
• Better Together – a collaborative team: We work together, respecting and listening to each other’s point of view.
• Trusted Partners – dedicated to our client’s success: Our clients’ have to know they can rely on us, and we should continuously work on building great relationships with them
• Taking Responsibility – making a positive difference: Being responsible employees, customers and people is also very important, we have the opportunity to make a positive difference for our immediate, and the wider, environment through our actions.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

At Dalkia, we are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We ensure that every applicant is treated fairly and respectfully throughout our selection process. If you require any adjustments, please inform us in confidence. Our talent acquisition team is here to assist you.

So, what’s in it for you?

Firstly, you get to join a fantastic, friendly, forward-thinking team of people, who will welcome you and are passionate about the work that we do.

We also offer a wide range of benefits and rewards.

• Flexible working
• A competitive salary package
• We pay for professional memberships relevant to your role and invest in our people’s professional development
• Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Life assurance
• 25 Days Holiday PLUS Bank holidays
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifices electric vehicle scheme – where we help you lease an electric vehicle for a fixed monthly cost
• Access to our Benefits platform with a wide range of retail discounts.