Role Purpose

The Trainee Accountant is an important member of the Finance team, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance while delivering actionable insights that drive operational and commercial performance. This role supports strategic decision-making through robust analysis, contributes to global tax governance, and partners with cross-functional teams to optimise cost efficiency and profitability. By leveraging technology and continuous improvement initiatives, the Assistant Accountant helps shape a scalable finance function in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Role Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Lead accurate and timely month-end close activities across manufacturing, distribution, and marketing divisions.
Perform detailed reconciliations between SAP and Power BI; ensure the integrity of sales data and accrual postings aligned with contractual obligations.
Maintain and validate product costing processes in SAP to support pricing decisions and margin analysis.

Compliance & Governance

Ensure full compliance with multi-region VAT and corporate tax requirements; prepare and reconcile related balance sheet accounts.
Deliver accurate Inward Processing Relief reports and support customs compliance.
Coordinate annual external audit preparation, ensuring readiness and adherence to regulatory standards.

Business Partnering & Insights

Provide proactive financial insights to operations and marketing teams, influencing decisions that improve profitability and reduce waste.
Support development of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Continuous Improvement & Systems Optimisation

Drive automation and integration of reporting processes within SAP and Power BI to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
Identify and implement process improvements that reduce manual effort and strengthen internal controls.

This is not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change or amendment.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential (Non-negotiable)

Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent) with strong technical accounting knowledge.
2–3 years’ experience in a finance or accounting role within FMCG or high-growth environments.
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, financial modelling) and proficiency in SAP and Power BI.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines with exceptional attention to detail.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills across all levels of the organisation.
Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable (Value Adding)

Experience in global tax compliance and multi-region reporting.
Exposure to process automation and digital finance transformation projects.
Additional language skills and familiarity with customs compliance.

Qualifications & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Professional accounting certification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) – part-qualified or actively pursuing qualification.

WaterWipes Competencies to Perform the Role

Accountability: Takes ownership for accurate financial reporting and compliance, delivering all commitments on time.
Decision Making: Uses sound judgment to resolve reconciliation issues and make timely decisions based on financial data.
Integrity: Maintains transparency and honesty in all financial processes, ensuring adherence to WaterWipes values and regulatory standards.
Driving for Results: Demonstrates persistence and attention to detail to meet month-end deadlines and deliver high-quality outputs.
Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with Finance, Operations, and Marketing teams to provide insights and support shared objectives.

Functional Competencies Specific to the Role

Financial Accuracy & Compliance: Ensures precision in reconciliations, VAT returns, and tax submissions across multiple regions.
Analytical Thinking: Converts complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for business decision-making.
Systems Proficiency: Utilises SAP, Power BI, and advanced Excel techniques to streamline reporting and analysis.
Continuous Improvement: Identifies and implements automation and process enhancements to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Why work for us?
‘The WaterWipes Way’ is underpinned by our Values of: Bravery, Excellence & Respect
We look for individuals who will drive acceptable actions and behaviours that will reflect our vision and values.

WaterWipes offers all the benefits of an established global brand, along with the exciting possibilities of an organisation that lives and breathes change.

There are so many reasons to join us on our ambitious journey to becoming an iconic global brand. Check out our careers page to find out more !

Trainee Accountant

Job Description