Senior Accountant – Financial Reporting (Payments & Operations)
- Leicester
- Permanent
- Full-time
Salary: Competitive plus bonus & benefitsHelp shape the future of finance at one of the UK's leading retailers.We're looking for a talented and detail-driven Senior Accountant - Financial Reporting to join our Payments & Operations Finance team at Next PLC. Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you'll play a pivotal role in overseeing complex balance sheet reconciliations and producing accurate, forward-looking cash flow forecasts across a multi-billion-pound portfolio. This is a high-impact role that requires both analytical precision and strategic insight.What You'll Be Doing:
- Take ownership of balance sheet reconciliations (with a focus on creditors), ensuring data accuracy and resolving variances.
- Drive the monthly balance sheet forecasting process and provide key insights to support senior decision-makers.
- Monitor and manage daily cash positions during critical reporting periods (half and full year-end).
- Prepare short, medium, and long-term cash flow forecasts with clear variance analysis.
- Collaborate with wider finance teams to understand supplier and customer trends affecting cash flow.
- Continuously improve reconciliation processes and controls, driving efficiencies and best practices.
- Support month-end and year-end financial close, ensuring clean, audit-ready records.
- Conduct ad-hoc financial analysis and scenario modelling to support business planning.
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with 3-5 years post-qualification experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of accounting principles, balance sheet structure, and financial controls.
- Proven expertise in complex reconciliations, cash flow forecasting, and working capital management.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous eye for detail.
- Confident communicator with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Google Suite and Microsoft Excel; experience with data analysis/reporting tools is a plus.
- A proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented mindset.
- 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
- Company performance based bonus
- Sharesave scheme
- On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
- 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
- Early VIP access to sale stock
- Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
- Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
- Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
- Free on-site parking
- Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
- Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
- Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
- Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
- Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more