Wade Macdonald

Group Accountant - Reading/Hybrid - £55,000 to £65,000 Great opportunity for Accountants looking to move from practice into industry! About the Client A growing and well known organisation within the Technology sector, this business operates across the UK and Europe. They believe in empowering their employees with the tools and trust they need to make impactful decisions. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, the team enjoys a supportive and dynamic working environment that values integrity and professional growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a recently qualified accountant who is looking for a 1st move into industry About the Job Working closely with the Group Reporting Manager, the Group Accountant plays a pivotal role in the preparation of consolidated management accounts and lender reporting, while also supporting the statutory audit and budgeting processes. This role is well-suited to someone with strong technical accounting expertise, particularly in relation to group consolidations and acquisition activity. Duties will include: Preparing consolidated monthly management accounts and commentary packs Managing the month-end reporting process across UK and European subsidiaries Posting consolidation adjustments and managing intercompany entries Producing quarterly reporting for external lenders Drafting technical accounting papers to support audit and acquisition activity Assisting with group-wide forecasting and budget consolidation Performing complex balance sheet reconciliations and reviews Supporting statutory accounts preparation and group audit processes Identifying and delivering process improvements across the finance function Providing ad hoc technical accounting support across group projects and new acquisitions About the Successful Applicant You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) ideally from a practice background with a strong grounding in group reporting and technical accounting. Advanced Excel skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently to tight deadlines. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are also key to success in this role. What You Will Receive in Return You'll be joining a business that values progression and development, offering the opportunity to work in a technically challenging environment with exposure to group-level financial reporting. The organisation supports hybrid working and encourages a healthy work-life balance, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package.

Payroll Business Partner Location: London (Hybrid) Salary: £55,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus About the Client Staffing solutions firm operating in the FMCG sector, providing regional and offshore support throughout the UK. They embrace flexibility and adaptability, empowering teams to find optimal solutions and drive meaningful change. As part of their continued evolution, they invest in people and systems to create a more efficient, integrated approach across HR and Finance functions. About the Job This is a pivotal role within a centralised HR Shared Services function, where you will lead the payroll agenda across a workforce of c.3,800 employees. The role combines hands on delivery with strategic partnership and offers the opportunity to lead transformation across payroll processes and systems. Duties will include: Delivering full end to end payroll through an outsourced provider, covering weekly, monthly and transitional payrolls Managing payroll inputs such as absence, starters, leavers, overtime and annual leave via T&A systems Acting as the main point of contact for payroll queries across HR, Finance and operational teams Building relationships to support budgeting and forecasting with accurate data insights Supporting integration projects between HRIS and payroll systems Driving automation and improvements to reduce manual processing Overseeing benefits administration including pensions, medical and company vehicles Leading and developing a payroll team member, promoting a service focused approach About the Successful Applicant You will have substantial experience managing high volume payrolls (weekly and monthly), preferably within complex or shared services environments. A strong understanding of outsourced payroll, excellent stakeholder engagement skills and a hands on approach to continuous improvement are essential. Exposure to benefits administration and systems integration would be beneficial. What You Will Receive in Return A competitive package including car allowance, bonus and hybrid working. You'll gain exposure to large scale transformation programmes and enjoy a role with real influence and autonomy. The organisation offers a collaborative culture with a strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement. Get in touch -

A staffing solutions firm is seeking a Payroll Business Partner to lead the payroll agenda for around 3,800 employees. This pivotal hybrid role combines hands-on delivery with strategic partnership, focusing on transforming payroll processes and driving automation. The successful candidate will possess substantial experience with high-volume payrolls, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The position offers a competitive salary, car allowance, and opportunities for professional development.

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Group Accountant for a growing organization in the Technology sector, located in Reading with hybrid working options. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing consolidated accounts, managing month-end processes, and supporting audits, with a competitive salary ranging from £55,000 to £65,000. Ideal candidates should be qualified accountants with advanced Excel skills and a strong collaborative mindset, looking to make an impactful move into industry.

Head of Payroll - Uxbridge - £55,000 / £60,000 - Hybrid working About the Client Wade Macdonald are working with a large and well-established organisation within the Education sector. With multiple sites and a sizeable workforce, they are committed to maintaining high standards of service delivery and operational excellence. They cultivate a supportive atmosphere where mentorship and professional development are central to their mission. About the Job This is a key role within the finance function, reporting to the Finance Director and overseeing all aspects of payroll for a workforce of over 1,300 employees. You will be the primary contact for managing the outsourced payroll bureau, ensuring compliance with HMRC and pension regulations, and producing essential payroll data for internal and external stakeholders. The role also involves working closely with HR and Finance to ensure accuracy and efficiency across payroll operations. Duties will include: Managing and overseeing the outsourced payroll service to ensure accurate and timely payments. Acting as the primary contact for internal payroll matters and external bodies, including HMRC and pension providers. Supervising and appraising a small payroll team. Reviewing payroll data, deductions, and amendments in line with policy and authorising payments. Leading on year-end processes including pension returns, P60s, and benefit reporting. Supporting system testing and upgrades, particularly around statutory pay and annual uplifts. Providing payroll reporting and data analysis for audit, budgeting, and forecasting purposes. Ensuring deadlines are met for payments to third parties and responding to data requests. Participating in inductions, offering payroll and pension guidance to new staff. About the Successful Applicant You will have at least five years' experience in payroll, ideally within education, the public sector, or a similarly complex environment. A deep understanding of defined benefit pension schemes, strong IT and Excel skills, and up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation are essential. You'll need excellent communication skills, a meticulous approach, and the ability to manage competing deadlines with accuracy. What You Will Receive in Return 37 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure), access to a local government pension scheme, and opportunities for salary progression following annual appraisals. You'll also have access to wellbeing support, including 1:1 therapy, an employee assistance programme, and free gym use. Professional development is supported.

A recruitment firm is looking for a Head of Payroll in Uxbridge. The successful candidate will oversee payroll operations for over 1,300 employees, ensuring compliance with regulations and accuracy in processes. Key responsibilities include managing the outsourced payroll service, supervising a payroll team, and conducting year-end processes. Essential qualifications include over five years' experience in payroll, knowledge of UK legislation, and strong IT skills. Benefits include 37 days off, pension scheme access, and professional development opportunities.

Finance Business Partner (12-Month Fixed Term Contract) Location: South Oxfordshire (On-site) Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 per annum About the Client This well-established organisation operates within the Engineering sector and continues to grow in a competitive and fast-paced environment. With a focus on performance, collaboration and strategic development, they are dedicated to nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, where learning is a lifelong journey, and challenges are opportunities for growth. About the Job This 12-month fixed term contract offers a commercially focused Finance Business Partner opportunity, ideal for a qualified professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment. Acting as a trusted advisor to key departments, you will drive financial performance, support decision-making, and influence strategic direction through insightful analysis and business partnering. Duties will include: Leading month-end performance reporting, identifying necessary adjustments and delivering clear, actionable insights Managing budgeting and forecasting processes aligned with operational and strategic goals Preparing and presenting monthly performance reviews to senior stakeholders, highlighting key variances and actions Developing robust business cases and providing financial input on investment decisions and scenario planning Tracking project cashflows and advising on financial measures to ensure successful delivery Supporting effective resource allocation and identifying cost optimisation opportunities Creating, maintaining and improving financial models to support business analysis and strategic initiatives About the Successful Applicant You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with at least two years' experience in a finance business partnering role. You'll be confident working independently, with strong Excel and Power BI skills, and able to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders. Prior experience in a project-focused or engineering environment will be an advantage. What You Will Receive in Return This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected organisation on a fixed term basis, contributing to key projects and high-level financial decisions. You'll benefit from a collaborative and supportive culture, exposure to senior stakeholders, and the opportunity to add tangible value in a commercially focused role. A competitive salary is on offer, alongside professional development and the potential for future opportunities within the wider business.

A well-established organisation in the Engineering sector is seeking a qualified Finance Business Partner for a 12-month fixed term contract. Situated in South Oxfordshire, you will drive financial performance, support key decision-making, and provide insights through financial analysis. The ideal candidate will be fully qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in finance business partnering. Benefits include a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

A well-established organization in engineering is seeking a Finance Business Partner to support decision-making with high-quality financial analysis. The role offers a competitive salary between £55,000 - £60,000 and benefits including a performance-based bonus, private health insurance, and the flexibility of hybrid working. Successful candidates will be qualified accountants skilled in communication with non-finance stakeholders and tools like NetSuite and Power BI. This role is crucial for driving financial insights and business performance.

Senior Finance Business Partner Location: Heathrow (Hybrid working) Salary: £80,000 - £88,000 + Bonus + Benefits About the Client A well-established organisation within the FMCG sector, operating at scale across multiple UK regions. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every background and perspective enriches their collective success. Their finance function plays a pivotal role in supporting operational excellence and driving commercial performance. About the Job This is a high-profile Finance Business Partner role supporting multiple business units across the South. Acting as a strategic partner to the Regional Operations Director, you'll lead financial planning and performance monitoring, ensuring robust control, timely reporting, and insightful analysis to support decision-making and operational improvements. Duties will include: Leading budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis across the region Coordinating and closing month-end accounts, delivering timely and accurate regional P&Ls Managing the regional balance sheet with oversight of reconciliations Presenting financial results to senior stakeholders, explaining key variances and future impacts Monitoring and improving operational and financial KPIs Supporting operational leaders with business plans and strategic financial input Driving cost efficiency, with a strong focus on labour and cost of goods Leading capex planning, forecasting, and investment appraisals Providing financial support for commercial decisions and disruption management Leading and developing a regional finance team Acting as a deputy to the Finance Director when required About the Successful Applicant You will be a qualified (or finalist) accountant (ACCA, CIMA or ACA) with strong management accounting experience and a minimum of three years in a finance leadership role. You will be commercially minded, with proven experience influencing senior stakeholders, identifying efficiencies, and delivering insightful reporting. Advanced Excel and strong ERP skills (ideally SAP) are essential, along with the ability to work under pressure and build effective cross-functional relationships. What You Will Receive in Return You'll join an organisation that champions professional development and values contribution at every level. Expect a collaborative, inclusive environment with strong leadership, genuine scope to influence regional performance, and career development opportunities. This hybrid role comes with a competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Temporary Payroll/HR Administrator - On-Going - Hybrid (2 days office in Woking, Surrey, 3 days remote) - £15.00 to £17.50 Per Hour (DOE) + Holiday Pay Working in the hospitality sector, this well-established global organisation supports thousands of employees across the UK. The business is fast-paced, people-focused, and boasts a dedicated HR and Payroll team. They embrace flexibility and adaptability, empowering their teams to find the best solutions and drive meaningful change. About the Job Joining a busy payroll team on an 18-month maternity cover, you'll support with a range of administrative and processing duties in a high-volume environment. This role offers excellent exposure across all areas of payroll and HR support, within a collaborative and friendly team. Duties will include: Inputting and processing starters, leavers, and payroll changes (e.g. hours, tax codes, promotions) Handling maternity, statutory leave, and compliance documentation Issuing offer letters, contracts, and Right to Work checks Supporting with payrolls across both salaried and hourly paid staff Managing email queries and maintaining employee files Employee references, right to work checks and internal reporting Providing a first point of contact for store and field staff queries Ensuring accuracy across payroll runs for over 12,000 employees About the Successful Applicant You'll have at least 1 year's experience in a busy in-house payroll or HR setting, with a confident approach to multitasking and prioritising deadlines. Excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a calm, proactive attitude are essential. Experience with high-volume payrolls is preferred, and CIPP Level 1 is advantageous but not required. What You Will Receive in Return This organisation offers a supportive working culture within a high-energy, team-led environment. You'll benefit from a hybrid working pattern (2 days in the office), exposure to end-to-end payroll processes, and a chance to develop in a business that values growth and inclusion. Interviews are scheduled for early January, so don't delay your application. Your next career move awaits! How to Proceed: If this super on-going temporary payroll opportunity has sparked your interest, I'm eagerly looking forward to your contact! To advance your next career move, please reach out to Lucy-Emma at Wade Macdonald today - (please call only if you have payroll experience). You can get in touch by promptly submit your CV through the designated portal.