Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant (37 hours per week, Permanent) 

Location: Contractual base in Salvus House, Durham with hybrid working opportunities

Salary range: £38,372 - £47,961 (pro rata) plus a discretionary bonus potential of up to 8% of annual salary

Job Level: C

Reporting to: Finance Manager

We want our people to have a great work-life balance and support flexible working in terms of a hybrid model and varying start and finish times in some teams where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.

ABOUT US

Wave is a leading national business water retailer helping over 300,000 customers across the UK to benefit from the non-household water market. We’re dedicated to helping businesses lower water use, be more water efficient and reduce costs – all which helped us earn all which helped us proudly earn the Water Retailer of the Year award in 2021, reclaim the title in 2023. Most recently, we celebrated the win again in 2025, where the judges highlighted our commitment to social value and sustainability as well as our market-leading customer service. Our vision is to be the most customer-focused utility delivering value and efficiency in everything we do, making a positive difference to the environment and society.

The culture at Wave is like nowhere else. We’re committed to a happy, healthy place to work, and have a working environment which supports continuous learning and development, one where people can really flourish. Our people are at the centre of everything we do. Joining us means you’d be part of a team of over 300 people working flexibly across two UK based offices. You’ll find a real focus on employee wellbeing and some great benefits too. We expect great things from you and we give great things back.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Wealth

• Excellent pension scheme - we will double match your contribution, up to a maximum of 5% employee contribution and 10% from Wave


• Bonus potential


• Perkbox membership with a vast range of perks - high street savings (fashion retailers, supermarkets and restaurants), discounted cinema tickets, travel and holiday discounts and online fitness classes


• Income protection scheme


• Personal accident insurance


• 4x salary life assurance


• Free onsite parking

Time off

• 24 days holiday rising to 26 (plus bank holidays)


• A day off for your birthday


• Half a day on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve


• The option to buy holidays


• 1 day paid volunteering

Wellbeing

• Hybrid/Flexible working


• Healthcare cashback and treatment scheme


• Cycle to work scheme


• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


• Free flu shots

Family Friendly

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay


• Enhanced shared parental and adoption leave


• We care about you as an employee and have a range of resources available to both you and your family

THE ROLE IN A NUTSHELL

The Financial Control team are responsible for managing Wave’s financial control framework including the production of monthly and annual financial reports and the maintenance of a comprehensive set of controls designed to mitigate risk and enhance the accuracy of reported financial results. The team manage Wave’s external audit, tax compliance and banking relationships.

The team is looking for a Financial Accountant role to manage the day-to-day treasury function encompassing daily cash management and cashflow forecasting. The role will also play a pivotal part in a small team preparing management accounts and VAT returns.

The role will suit you if you have a strong controls background, management accounts preparation experience and exposure to treasury activities.

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

• Daily working capital management, liaising with banks to ensure an efficient cash position


• Active management of Wave’s Treasury Policy and compliance with banking agreements


• Daily / weekly / monthly cashflow forecasting and reporting to meet bank and shareholder requirements


• Managing and coordinating quarterly bank audits


• Monthly management accounts and VAT return preparation


• Annual statutory accounts preparation and supporting the external audit process

WHAT DO WE NEED FROM YOU?

• Experience in cashflow management / working capital management, working in an environment with banking arrangements / compliance requirements


• Hands on experience in financial reporting


• Knowledge of accounting principles and exposure to statutory accounts preparation


• Strong Microsoft Excel proficiency, analytical and problem-solving abilities


• An understanding and ability to implement robust processes and controls


• An accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Please refer to the essential criteria in the job description as this is what you will be shortlisted against.

For external candidates you can access the job description here.

For internal candidates you can access the job description here.

Wave is committed to making a positive difference to the environment and society in which it operates. If you are excited to join a dynamic growing business which cares about its people, we would love to hear from you.

BE YOURSELF – OUR DIFFERENCES MAKE US STRONGER

Wave is proud to be an inclusive employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. We will take into consideration any adjustments or individual requirements at any stage of your recruitment journey. If you require any additional support related to menopause, neurodiversity, or any other reason, please do let us know by contacting [email protected].

Please ensure you attach your CV and a covering letter so we can get to know more about your skills and experience and why you are suitable for this role. We will not be able to consider applications without a covering letter.

Closing date: 4pm on 16 July 2026

Interviews are planned for w/c 3 August 2026

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