Senior Accountant (Maternity Cover)

Marel; Colchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in food processing solutions is seeking a Senior Accountant in Colchester for a 12-month maternity cover. This role includes managing daily accounting activities, preparing management accounts, and ensuring VAT compliance. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of accounting experience, strong analytical skills, and advanced proficiency in Excel. You'll work in an international environment that values collaboration and continuous improvement, offering opportunities for professional growth and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Attractive employee benefits

Opportunities for learning and development

Qualifications

• Experience with VAT processes and month-end accounting.
• Ability to interpret financial data accurately.
• Experience working in global or multinational organisations is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Perform timely and accurate daily accounting activities.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Manage VAT processes and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Oversee expenses and fixed-asset register maintenance.
• Reconcile financial accounts and investigate discrepancies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Solid understanding of accounting principles

Strong analytical skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel at an advanced level

Proactive mindset and integrity

Experience in multicultural environments

Education

4+ years of experience in accounting roles

Solid knowledge of accounting standards

Strong written and spoken English

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Are you ready to make an impact in a global organisation?

We are looking for a driven and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Finance team in Colchester on a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover). This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in our accounting operations while working in a collaborative, international environment where every person truly counts.

We’re seeking someone who is analytical, organised, and proactive — someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and enjoys working across departments to ensure accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement in financial processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform timely and accurate daily accounting activities — including AP processing, general ledger entries, payroll postings, sales invoicing, and month-end close — in collaboration with the Shared Service Centre.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis, management reports, and ensure accurate reporting to corporate and local management.
• Manage VAT processes, including data extraction, calculations, monthly declarations, and VAT ledger reconciliations.
• Oversee expenses, pre-payments, accruals, fixed-asset register maintenance, depreciation, and intercompany reconciliations.
• Reconcile financial accounts (including SOX-regulated accounts), investigate discrepancies, and substantiate transactions through document audits.
• Work closely with HR and wider stakeholders to ensure accurate payroll reporting, resolve queries, reduce outstanding debt, and maintain strong cross-functional relationships.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, JBT Marel accounting guidelines, corporate policies, and local legislation, including implementing new or updated accounting and reporting requirements.

About You

You’re a structured and reliable finance professional who enjoys both the detail of hands-on accounting work and the challenge of maintaining high standards across reporting and compliance. You communicate clearly, work confidently across teams, and remain calm and organised when balancing multiple deadlines.

You’ll Bring

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• A solid understanding of accounting principles, financial controls, and VAT regulations.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data accurately.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel at an advanced level.
• A proactive mindset, integrity, and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Experience working in multicultural, multidisciplinary international environments.

Experience & Education

• 4+ years of experience in accounting roles.
• Solid knowledge of accounting standards and UK tax/VAT regulations.
• Proven experience with VAT processes and month-end accounting.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Experience in global or multinational organisations is highly beneficial.
• Strong systems skills (ERP experience advantageous).

What’s In It For You

• A hands‑on role in a global, innovative organisation.
• The chance to work closely with a supportive line manager and collaborative international team.
• Exposure to diverse finance activities across the full accounting cycle.
• Opportunities to learn, develop, and contribute to process improvements.
• Competitive salary and attractive employee benefits.
• A company culture built on unity, innovation, and excellence.

Who We Are

JBT Marel is a global leader in food processing solutions, committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the industry. With teams around the world, we work together to ensure safe, efficient, and responsible food production for our customers and communities.

Interested?

If you’re ready to take on a varied, impactful finance role and support our Colchester team during this maternity cover period, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 Apply By Sending Your CV And Application To

(Insert hiring manager name & email)

🗓️ Contract

12-month fixed-term maternity cover

🌐 Learn more about us at

marel.com

🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn: JBT Marel

Join us — and contribute to excellence at the heart of our finance operations.