Job Title: UK Accountant
Reporting to: UK Finance Manager
Location: Head Office, White City Place, West London
Contract Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
About Us:
ME+EM is one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. In addition to a thriving global digital presence, we operate flagship stores in London and Edinburgh, concessions within Harrods and Selfridges, and have recently expanded with new store openings in the U.S.
At ME+EM we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn and are not afraid to take risks. Everyone contributes to our success at all levels, and that precisely what makes being a member of the team so rewarding.
Our office and stores are always busy and fast paced, but we work just as hard to make sure it’s fun, with social activities and biannual parties. We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and welcoming and ensure that everyone’s hard work is rewarded. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.
About the Role:
We are seeking a commercially minded and detail-oriented Accountant to join our finance team within a fast-growing luxury retail business. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting financial reporting and international expansion as the company continues to grow.
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA) with PQE in retail accounting, either through previous industry roles or audit exposure to retail clients. Experience with ERP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics, will be highly advantageous as the business progresses through an ERP migration.
The candidate will support with the management of the UK company’s portfolio of retail leases, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. The candidate will be knowledgeable on recent changes to lease and revenue accounting under FRS 102 and will support the preparation and submission of monthly turnover certificates.
The accountant will also have two finance assistants reporting directly into them, taking responsibility for the initial review of the month-end close process, including oversight of reconciliations and supporting schedules. They will coach and develop junior members of the finance team as well as carrying out key month-end balance sheet reconciliations, including monthly debtor and sales ledger reconciliations. They will further support the Finance Manager with a range of ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Support the preparation of timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including P&L and Balance sheet.
- Complete the first review of month-end processes, ensuring accuracy of journals, reconciliations and supporting schedules.
- Manage and support two finance assistants, providing guidance and oversight of transactional accounting activities.
- Maintain familiarity with lease accounting standards and support the management of the company’s lease portfolio, including store leases and property-related reporting.
- Prepare and submit monthly turnover certificates in line with lease and landlord reporting requirements.
- Work closely with the Finance Manager on finance and strategy for international expansion including and understanding of local regulatory requirements such as statutory accounting and tax compliance.
- Assist the Finance Manager in the preparation for the annual audit by ensuring that all financial data is organised and readily accessible, collating necessary financial documentation and reports.
- Liaise with external auditors and advisors where required.
- Support the finance team in the migration of financial data to the new ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics).
- Prepare ad-hoc tasks as required by the Finance Manager including but not limited to responding to internal and external queries.
Skills:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA or equivalent) with 1-2 years of PQE
- Experience in retail accounting, gained either in industry or through audit work with retail clients.
- Strong understanding of management accounting, financial controls and reporting processes
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to use initiative, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Desirable:
- Experience within luxury, premium or consumer-focused retail businesses.
- Experience supporting business growth and international expansion.
- Previous experience managing and coaching junior finance team members.
- Previous experience with an ERP migration and/or familiarity with ERP systems, particularly Microsoft Dynamics
Employee Benefits:
- 33 days annual leave for full time employees (25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays)
- A day off to celebrate your birthday.
- Pension Scheme
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Length of Service Award
- Refer a Friend Scheme
- Staff uniform for retail employees
- Generous Staff and Friends and Family Discount
- Annual Volunteer Day
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Tech Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- Real Living Wage Employer
- Employee led committees
- Social events and biannual parties
- Enhanced maternity and paternity package after 2 years of service.
ME+EM is an equal opportunities employer committed to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion in our workforce. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we do not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, gend er, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that diversity enriches our workforce and strengthens our organisation. Therefore, we encourage minorities, LGBTQ+ candidates, and individuals with disabilities to apply for opportunities within our company.
Please email dex.moore@meandem.com should you require any adjustments needed to take part in this recruitment process.
Please note, due to the large number of applications we receive, we can only reply to those that are successful to the next stage.