When we started Kensington we were the first specialist lender to offer mortgages to people the high street turned down. Over 25 years later, we're the UK's leading specialist mortgage lender still blazing a trail offering people the chance to get a mortgage. Where high street lenders see black and white, we've always used our expertise and manual underwriting capability to see the shades in between. In a market where changing lifestyles mean more people are falling outside the traditional mortgage criteria, it's an approach that can make a real difference to people who want to own a property.
It's what we call the Kensington Difference.
Kensington Mortgage Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank UK PLC from 1 March 2023, and the principal activity of the Company is the origination and servicing of mortgage assets. The Company is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority for regulated activities.
***THIS IS A 12 MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT***
**Overall Purpose of Job
To control the quality of financial accounting within Kensington Mortgage Company Limited, and Kensington Mortgage Services Limited.
**Key Accountabilities
- Create year-end audit file for both Corporate Entities and be lead contact for any audit queries.
- Ensure general ledger is accurately maintained, reconciled, and documented to the standard expected of a regulated entity.
- Liaise closely with Finance Operations to ensure that routine accounting processes and controls achieve the required level of accuracy and support at legal entity level.
- Design, control and maintain the project plan and timetable for all aspects of statutory reporting.
- Prepare sundry accounting papers and memos for audit purposes, including but not limited to going concern and impairment.
- Create new, simplified, balance sheet reconciliation templates which comply with Group Policy.
- Assist with the preparation of required accounts disclosure information.
- Assist with preparation of papers for Board and Regulatory committee meetings.
- Ensure that adequate process documentation is in place and that controls and checks are appropriately documented.
- Review and update accounting policies to ensure consistent with Group.
- Assist with implementing improvements to control environment with a view to becoming Sox compliant.
- Other ad hoc duties as required.
**Experience, Knowledge, Skills
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA or ACA) with at least 1 year post qualification experience.
- Must be audit trained with a Top 10 Accountancy Practice.
- Previous experience in a similar role essential, although experience within the Financial Services industry is not required.
- Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards.
- Should be familiar with Corporation Tax computations and understand their content.
- Knowledge of governance, risk and controls and compliance standards. Knowledge of Sox would be beneficial but not essential.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Ability to network and build relationships across the business in a hybrid working environment and to communicate effectively at all levels.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Excellent analytical, logical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Well organised with strong attention to detail.