Group Reporting Accountant

Based - St Albans, AL1 2RE (Hybrid 50%)

12 month fixed term contract

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

We’re looking for a Group Reporting Accountant to join our Group Finance team for a 12 month contract to cover a period of maternity leave. You will play a key role in delivering high‑quality financial reporting for a complex, fast‑paced FTSE‑listed business.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Group Reporting Manager, you’ll support both external and internal Group reporting, covering P&L, balance sheet and cash flow. You’ll also play an active role in planning cycles, ensuring forecasts are robust and compliant with accounting standards.

This is a great opportunity for a technically strong, fully qualified accountant who enjoys working to tight deadlines, partnering with senior stakeholders, and contributing to continuous improvement across Group Finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare half‑year and full‑year Group financial statements under IFRS
• Own the preparation of subsidiary statutory accounts under FRS 101
• Act as a key contact for internal and external auditors, managing audit queries and documentation
• Produce consolidated monthly Group management accounts with insightful commentary for the Board
• Take ownership of specialist reporting areas including acquisitions and disposals, share‑based payments, goodwill impairment, lease accounting and non‑trading costs
• Support Group finance projects, including new accounting standards and audit‑driven change initiatives
• Contribute to Group planning cycles covering central P&L, balance sheet and cash flow
• Work closely with the Manchester‑based shared service team during reporting cycles
• Maintain and update Group Accounting Policies and Procedures
• Support the ongoing maintenance of the Group consolidation system

About You

• CIMA/ACA/ACCA qualified
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, gained in a top or mid‑tier practice and/or a Group Finance role within a UK listed business
• Experience preparing or auditing consolidated management and statutory accounts
• Highly accurate, detail‑focused and comfortable working to tight deadlines
• Confident communicator with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels
• Knowledge of SAP and IBM Controller is desirable but not essential

What we offer you:

• Car allowance
• Bonus scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Salary sacrifice benefit schemes

What Success Looks Like

• Strong financial control and consistent delivery of high‑quality, insightful reporting
• Deadlines met with confidence and accuracy
• Trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and auditors

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.