Group Financial Accountant

Company Overview

Reach is a modern media organisation with trusted news, stories, and content that connect with millions of people where they live—on social feeds, at local neighbourhood newsstands, through local communities, and around the hot topics of the day.

Reach is home to more than 120 brands, including household names such as the Mirror, Express, Daily Star, and Daily Record, as well as local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News. Reach also includes brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

Reach connects with around 70% of the UK’s online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers worldwide—helping people engage with who they are, where they live, and what they love.

About the Role

As a modern media organisation, Reach is much more than just news. The role is designed to support diverse audiences, customers, and communities, with a working environment that respects every background and encourages growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Consolidation

• Support the month-end close, half-year, and year-end processes.
• Assist in preparing consolidated group financial statements.
• Draft subsidiary statutory accounts in line with GAAP/IFRS.

Technical Accounting Ownership

• Take the lead on key accounting areas, including revenue recognition, properties, provisions, and IFRS 16 leases.

Controls & Governance

• Maintain robust internal controls and reconciliations, including intercompany balances.
• Gain hands-on exposure to UK Corporate Governance and UK SOX processes.

Audit & Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors.
• Prepare financial schedules for management accounts and the Annual Report.

Business Partnering

• Work closely with local finance teams and management accountants to ensure consistent accounting policies across the Group.
• Provide technical guidance where needed.

Qualifications

• Fully Qualified: ACA / ACCA (or equivalent) with 1–2 years of post-qualified experience.
• Strong background in preparing/reviewing financial statements and supporting the month-end close process.
• Practical experience working with accounting policies and guidelines, including liaising directly with external auditors.

Skills & Attributes

• Technical Expertise: Robust knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and UK BEIS regulations.
• Analytical Mindset: Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to dissect complex financial data and spot trends.
• Communication & Collaboration: Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and translate complex financial information for non-finance stakeholders.
• Organisation: Strong time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, delegate effectively, and manage deadlines.

Benefits

Reach provides a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days holiday, plus an extra day after three, five, and 10 years. Additional holiday purchase scheme available.
• An extra day’s paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day—an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you (for example, getting married, moving house, or welcoming a new addition to the family, human or furry).
• Bonus scheme with a stake in Reach’s success.
• Retirement support: company pension match up to 6%, with the option to contribute via salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies, including enhanced family leave and policies that promote flexibility, inclusion, and progression.
• A healthcare cash plan with money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor’s appointments.
• Car lease scheme to buy a new electric or hybrid car through a leasing partner, paid via salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support, including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to discounts, including 15% off with Reach’s online marketplace, Yimbly.
• Interest-free loans, including for season tickets and technology.

Equal Opportunity

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every box, you’re encouraged to apply. Reach values potential, passion, and diverse perspectives, and is committed to an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Reach is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. The recruitment process is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination based on age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.