At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers.  The ones that enable our growth.We now have an exciting opportunity for a Property Accountant to join our Finance team at our Support Centre in Swindon. The main purpose of a Property Accountant is to take responsibility for the accurate accounting and financial reporting of the Travel capital accounting and the IFRS16 lease portfolio for the group. Reporting into the Head of Financial Accounting, you will be an integral part of the property finance team.What you will be doing:

• Oversight of the groups monthly reporting of lease contracts under IFRS 16, using the lease accounting software – MRI Prolease. Including keeping the MRI database up to date with lease changes and reviewing monthly journal postings.
• Acting as a centre of excellence for the Group on IFRS 16 accounting matters, looking for areas of improvement and standardisation.
• Producing the half-yearly statutory group reconciliations for IFRS16 and lead on the audit queries raised by the external auditors.
• Providing information to aid the interim and full year IFRS 16 disclosures for both Group and subsidiary statutory accounts.
• Budgeting/forecasting for leases under IFRS 16.
• An MRI Prolease super-user, responsible for the training of any new MRI users and administration of the system.
• Managing the monthly capital accounting processes and reporting, overseeing day-to-day tasks within the team, managing the Property and Capital Accountant.
• Budgeting for depreciation by store in line with the group reporting timetable.
• Supporting group tax with reporting requirements on capital additions.
• Liaising with the external and internal auditors on any capital queries raised.

What we are looking for:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA qualified accountant with at least 3 years post qualified experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of IFRS 16.
• A good understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP, including knowledge of statutory accounts and relevant disclosures.
• The ability to work effectively and efficiently when managing conflicting and tight deadlines.
• Good communication skills, able to engage with business units directly to influence decisions.
• Excellent analytical skills and good double entry essential, as well as strong Excel and PowerPoint skills.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance
• Private Medical
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone. 

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!