Group Financial Accountant

The Business

It is an exciting time to join LNT. We are the UK’s largest care home developer and care home commission group, with a significant history within the care home development and care operating sectors.

Over a 34 year period, the group has provided 16,000 care beds to the UK market and developed 250 care homes. The group is in a period of rapid expansion, planning to develop an average of 30 care homes a year, and retaining these homes to operate within the group.

The group is a vertically integrated care home constructor/developer and software provider, which also operates care home groups under the Danforth Care, Oyster Care & Crystal Care brand names (more brands are in the process of being developed in order to support the group’s growth).

LNT is the market leader in a sector which is underpinned by a clear demographic need over the next few decades, providing an exceptional opportunity for the business going forwards. The group also has a strong ESG policy, and is at the forefront of innovation in the development of energy-saving care homes.

The Finance Team

The LNT finance function has grown considerably over the last 4 years, to a headcount of c.45 people across all disciplines and businesses – encompassing qualified Chartered Accountants from various backgrounds, AAT / ACA studiers and a sizeable transactional team. The finance function is led by the Group Finance Director, supported by the Group Finance Manager, Finance Director – Care Operations, and the Financial Controller – LNT Construction.

As part of the people agenda, the LNT Finance Talent Academy was launched in 2023, providing a structured pathway & tailored experience for the right individuals to develop & progress their careers in the business. LNT is also an ICAEW Authorised Training Employer.

The Role

This is a key role within the Group, where the post holder will assist the senior management & leadership team in delivering the longer-term strategy in addition to providing the daily financial rigour as required. The role will be working across all business units, reporting primarily into the Group Finance Manager.

The role also offers the opportunity to build a good understanding of construction accounting and the commercial decisions underpinning construction projects; as it will require the successful candidate to support the Financial Controller – LNT Construction with some of their reporting requirements.

The position is an exciting opportunity to build upon existing technical accounting knowledge, whilst also being involved in commercial accounting processes. The role’s unique position in the group will ensure the successful candidate is engaged in the overall business strategy, and able to impress senior management and stakeholders by providing high-quality financial information and commercial interpretation on a coherent & consistent basis.

Key responsibilities including but not being limited to:

The position will have responsibilities for the following:

• Assist in the preparation of the monthly consolidation for the group
• Maintain strong analysis and control of overheads across the group, including the preparation of detailed cost-variance analysis
• Preparation / review of key monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Preparation of management accounts, including Construction management accounts as required by the business
• Preparation of Construction build budgets and cost variance analysis thereon, as required
• Assist the Group Finance Manager with the annual statutory accounts process and delivering the external audit
• Assist in the preparation and review of monthly group VAT returns
• Assist with tax queries and ensure the group is following process for documentation of tax filings
• Supporting key stakeholders within the organisation, providing financial and technical accounting support
• Participating in and delivery of cross functional projects which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance & operational departments
• Project work – system changes, banking analysis, cost optimisation, integration of acquired subsidiaries, capital allowances workings etc
• Compilation & preparation of information for Board Packs and other key financial information

Requirements:

• Suitable for a newly qualified candidate (0 to 2 years post-qualified), either from industry or making their first move from practice
• ACA/CIMA/ACCA qualified
• Experience working with (or a strong desire) to work with a dynamic and fast-growing business
• Commercially and analytically astute
• Demonstrate technical competency in financial accounting
• Comfortable in a collegiate, open and meritocratic environment
• Is prepared to be office based in Garforth (East Leeds) full time

Benefits:

• Salary dependent on candidate level & experience
• Market leading bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Annual pay review
• Free on-site gym
• Free breakfast
• On site café / bar
• Social events
• Company pension scheme
• Career development opportunities