Job Description
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
We are seeking a high-calibre Group Accountant to join our Group Reporting team at our Global Head Office. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent Big 4-qualified ACA (or equivalent) professional looking to make their first move into industry within a dynamic, international organisation.
As a key member of the Group Finance function, you will play an integral role in delivering high-quality financial reporting to the Board, including the preparation of monthly management accounts, interim results, and annual financial statements. You will gain significant exposure to senior stakeholders, including the Group CFO and Finance Leadership Team, while contributing to a range of finance projects and strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Support the preparation of annual and half-year statutory reporting, including liaison with external auditors
Assist in the delivery of monthly Group management reporting, including analysis of Head Office costs
Conduct quarterly internal control reviews and reporting
Collaborate with divisional and shared service finance teams to ensure compliance with Group accounting policies (IFRS)
Provide insightful analysis and support to senior finance stakeholders
Prepare technical accounting papers and guidance for complex accounting matters
Contribute to ad-hoc projects, including acquisitions, disposals, forecasting, budgeting, and wider finance initiatives
Skills & Experience:
- ACA / CA (or equivalent) qualified, ideally with 1–2 years’ post-qualified experience (PQE)
Strong grounding in IFRS and Group reporting, ideally within a multi-currency, international environment
Background in Big 4 Audit (highly desirable)
Advanced analytical and Excel skills with strong technical accounting awareness
Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders
Proactive, self-motivated, and keen to develop within a fast-paced Group environment
Experience within manufacturing or chemicals is advantageous but not essential
Key Relationships
You will work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, including:
CFO, VP Group Finance, Senior Group Reporting Manager, Group Tax, Group Internal Audit, and Divisional Finance Leaders.
Location: Global Head Office, London (Hybrid – minimum 4 days onsite)
Why Join Us?
Excellent opportunity to transition from practice into industry
High visibility role with significant exposure to senior leadership
Involvement in strategic projects and business-critical initiatives
Collaborative and high-performing finance team environment
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes