Senior Manager, Accounting

Job Title: Senior Manager, Accounting
Department: Finance
Location: London, United Kingdom
Hybrid Working: 3 days in your local office
Full-time Permanent

The Role

As a Senior Manager, Accounting, you will play a key role within our global Finance team, supporting the financial operations of our publishing business. You'll oversee core accounting processes including balance sheet reconciliations and month-end close, while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and strong financial controls.

This role is suited to someone who combines technical accounting expertise with strong interpersonal skills and a proactive mindset. You'll manage and develop a small team, contribute to process improvements, and work cross-functionally to support audits, reporting, and wider business initiatives.

What You'll Do

• You oversee balance sheet reconciliations and monthly and quarterly close processes, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery
• You prepare and review journal entries, balance sheets, and provide commentary and analysis on financial performance
• You manage, develop, and support two direct reports, fostering growth and maintaining high performance within the team
• You lead process improvement initiatives, ensuring robust documentation and efficient workflows
• You coordinate the preparation and review of audit files across group, UK, and international audits
• You support quarterly client pre-statement checks, working closely with internal teams to ensure accuracy
• You collaborate with stakeholders across the business on activities that impact financial reporting
• You support business surveys, tax requests, and other ad hoc finance requirements

What You'll Bring

Preferred:

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, or CPA
• Strong experience in a similar accounting or finance role, ideally within music or creative industries
• Deep understanding of month-end close, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Experience supporting internal and external audits, including audit file preparation and review
• Strong attention to detail with a proactive, ownership-driven mindset
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple stakeholders
• Proven experience managing and developing team members

Additional Skills That Could Add Value:

• Experience working within a global or matrixed organisation
• Exposure to publishing, royalties, or rights-based business models
• A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on automation and efficiency
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate financial data

What Success Looks Like

By Month 3: You'll have a strong understanding of Kobalt's financial processes and systems, contributing to month-end close and supporting reconciliations
By Month 6: You'll independently manage core accounting responsibilities, support audits, and effectively lead your team
By Year 1: You'll identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and support the wider finance function

Key Behaviours for Success

Ownership & Accountability: Takes full responsibility for financial accuracy, deadlines, and deliverables
Attention to Detail: Maintains a high level of precision across all accounting processes
Improvement: Actively identifies opportunities to enhance processes and drive efficiency

Important Notice

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom. A full DBS check may be conducted on acceptance of the offer. Kobalt is an equal opportunity employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.