Senior Financial Accountant

At Eurostar, we’re ushering in a new era of European train travel. We’re the only high-speed train that directly links the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. We’ve got big ambitions to spark opportunity through the power of train travel, and we’d love to have you along for the ride.

The purpose of the Senior Financial Accountant role is to support Eurostar’s financial accounting and control capability by delivering complete, accurate, and reliable financial information to meet the evolving needs of the group. This includes ensuring the timely recording, analysis, and reporting of financial data, as well as identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing best practices in financial management.

This position will be based in the vibrant and dynamic city of London, specifically in the prestigious area of King's Cross. As a tribute to the modern and forward-thinking work environment, the role offers a truly hybrid model where you will have the flexibility to work both remotely and from our state-of-the-art office space in London King's Cross. This unique blend of remote and office-based work will provide you with the perfect balance of autonomy and collaboration, enabling you to thrive in a diverse and inclusive work culture.

Internal Use only

This position is a Grade EIL E, based in KP.

We are looking for someone to... 

• Support delivery of the monthly accounting process including posting of the most complex accounting entries, assist with the review and approval of journals posted by the Financial Accountants, support the period end close process and maintain effective communication with the wider finance team (including FP&A and Business Partnering);
• Own the administrative management of Eurostar’s ERP system (Oracle EBS) including opening/closing of GL accounts, managing Oracle cost centres and project codes, monitoring the integration of data between Oracle and other systems, supporting IS with Oracle related maintenance/upgrades and provide troubleshooting support to Oracle users within the wider finance team;
• Own the preparation and control of the EIL sub-consolidation trial balance comprising the UK OpCo (EIL), Eurostar’s package holiday business (EHL) and overseas subsidiaries needed to deliver compliant cross-border operations;
• Review of the group reporting package which is prepared by the Financial Accountants for the Group’s ultimate parent company (SNCF) using the SAP Financial Consolidation (“BO Finance”) tool;
• Prepare bi-annual financial reports for EIL’s minority shareholder SNCB;
• Oversee the quarterly intercompany reconciliation process and own the operation of internal controls relating to intercompany transactions;
• Monitor and respond to the items received into ‘Accounting inbox’ which the wider business out of the finance team uses for accounting related queries;
• Oversee the balance sheet reconciliation process managed within the Blackline tool;
• Support the develop the Group’s financial internal control environment including collaboration with the Group’s internal control function. Lead by example and champion the execution of internal controls processes within the wider finance team;
• Work with systems champions, finance analysts and the Finance Leadership Team to ensure fit for purposes accounting systems, appropriate documentation and training for all users
• Support the external audit process by acting as the first point of contact for the external auditors, ensuring effective communication between the auditors and the company;
• Oversee the auditor’s ‘client portal’ used for audit request and support the wider finance team with audit request clarifications or issues;
• Manage the internal issue escalation process to ensure appropriate and timely stakeholder involvement;
• Support the Financial Controller - Accounting with the preparation of accounting papers which analyse and conclude on accounting and reporting issues for the auditors Directors of Finance and the Audit Committee;
• Support the preparation of consolidated annual financial statements and notes for the UK Eurostar sub-consolidation in accordance with UK-adopted IFRS. This includes the ownership of the statutory accounts preparation working papers;
• Support the Financial Controller - Accounting with the preparation of the necessary annual narrative reports, including Strategic Report, Directors Report, s172 statement and climate related financial disclosures;
• Prepare the annual financial statements and notes for Eurostar Holidays (EHL) in conjunction with the Revenue Control team. EHL prepares accounts in accordance with FRS 102; and
• Support the preparation of the annual financial statements and notes for the overseas subsidiaries in France and Belgium in conjunction with the Cost Control team and outsourced accountants.
• Be proactive in being well-informed about relevant technical and reporting developments (IFRS, Companies Act, FRC etc) by liaising with the Financial Controller - Accounting and external sources such as professional services, accountancy and industry bodies;
• Respond to requests from third parties on Eurostar’s financial accounting and reporting (for example ESG reporting and impact); and
• Prepare and maintain the Group accounting manual including up to date accounting policies and papers.

You'll need...

• To be ACA/ACCA/ICAS (or equivalent) qualified;
• Confident in using technical IFRS skills gained in either accounting practice or in industry;
• Big 4 audit background or experience working confidently with Big 4 auditors;
• Experience in managing the resolution of accounting issues and delivery of audits to tight timelines;
• Experience user of accounting systems including provision of systems training and documentation;
• To be hands on and willing to get into the detail where required without getting lost in complexity;
• Excellent interpersonal skills both in advising and influencing other finance/business colleagues;
• To be highly numerate, logical thinker with problem-solving attitude, drive and enthusiasm; and
• To be calm, structured and possess an organised way of working.

Desirable

• French language skills desirable to liaise with all colleagues across the Eurostar Group;
• Knowledge of the travel and transport industry;
• Experience of working with Oracle EBS, SAP BO Finance and/or Adaptive Insights;
• Experience of ERP migration projects.

• Travel benefits for work and play
• A great pension
• Exclusive discounts and perks

If you feel like your skills and experience are relevant for the role, please don't hesitate to apply!

Eurostar is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.