Group Accountant

Group Accountant

Location: Goring By Sea near Worthing (Hybrid working)

Reporting To: Group Financial Controller

At World of Books Group, our mission goes beyond financial success—we exist to make a difference. As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to protecting the environment, supporting our communities, and fostering collaboration across our teams. If you’re looking for a role where you can grow, contribute, and align with a purpose-driven business, this is your opportunity to join a team united by shared values.

About the Role

As Group Accountant, you’ll take on a pivotal role within our fast-growing, private equity-backed business, supporting our strategic vision while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, you will deliver accurate and timely financial information, oversee corporate reporting, and manage key processes that are vital to our continued success.

You’ll be part of a team that simplifies, moves fast, and delivers results—empowering World of Books Group to lead in the circular economy while staying aligned with our core value of protecting the environment. Collaboration is key here; we work as One Team, celebrating successes, learning from challenges, and driving ambitious growth.

Your Responsibilities

You’ll be trusted with a variety of important tasks, including:

• Preparing monthly management accounts and journal entries for our holding companies.
• Managing debt and equity accounting, including hedging activities (e.g., FX instruments).
• Reviewing balance sheet reconciliations and preparing detailed reconciliations for review by the Group Financial Controller.
• Delivering monthly covenant calculations and managing reporting for external stakeholders.
• Leading monthly and annual consolidation processes.
• Preparing and submitting the annual Employment Related Securities (ERS) return to HMRC.
• Overseeing the statutory accounts production and day-to-day audit processes.
• Providing technical accounting guidance, reviewing policies, and recommending solutions.
• Acting as a key liaison with banks, suppliers, auditors, and tax advisors.
• Stepping into a leadership role when deputising for senior finance team members.

In line with our commitment to continuous improvement, you’ll contribute to decision-making that balances bold, innovative actions with precision and rigour.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a technically strong accountant with a proven track record, a sharp attention to detail, and a passion for excellence. You will have:

• A professional qualification (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) and a strong academic background.
• 2+ years’ post-qualification experience in finance (Big 4 or large 2nd tier practice and audit experience preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of accounting standards and experience performing consolidations.
• Strong MS Excel skills and familiarity with finance systems (e.g., accounting software, consolidation/reporting tools).
• Experience managing audits and statutory accounts production.
• High standards of accuracy and a solution-driven mindset.

Prior exposure to private equity-backed businesses, M&A, or similar fast-paced environments is desirable but not essential. What is essential is your ability to thrive under pressure, adapt quickly, and approach challenges with resilience and flexibility.

Our Values

At World of Books Group, our values underpin everything we do:

• We are One Team: Collaboration is at the heart of our success. We trust, respect, and invest in each other, never saying, “That’s not my job.”
• We Simplify, Move Fast, and Deliver Results: We focus on what matters, act decisively, and continuously measure our progress to maintain the highest standards.
• We are Customer Obsessed: We keep the customer at the centre of all we do, earning their trust and exceeding their expectations.
• We Protect the Environment: Sustainability is core to our mission—extending the life of books and reducing waste are just some of the ways we make a difference.

By joining us, you’ll embody these values, contributing to our success and growth as a business dedicated to people and the planet.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow your career in a fast-moving, values-driven organisation. At World of Books Group, you’ll enjoy working in an environment where your contributions have a tangible impact, where sustainability and innovation drive every decision, and where collaboration creates opportunities for success.

If this sounds like the role for you, we’d love to hear from you!