Accountant - OIL & Gas Trading
Senior Accountant
Exclusive Search - representing a fast‑growing European energy trading and logistics company
We are partnering with a dynamic petroleum, petrochemicals, and biofuels trading company headquartered in London to appoint an experienced Senior Accountant. Our client operates across multiple European locations and specialises in the wholesale distribution of petroleum products, petrochemical feedstocks, and advanced bio-based products, supported by multimodal logistics including river, sea, rail, and road transport.
This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional seeking broad exposure, high ownership, and involvement in a fast-paced trading environment.
The Opportunity
The Senior Accountant will support a business trading a wide range of petroleum and petrochemical products, including crude oil, light and heavy distillates, and biofuels across several European jurisdictions. You will manage multi-entity and multi-currency accounting, contributing to a growing finance function and helping strengthen controls and reporting as the business continues to scale.
Key Responsibilities
Core Accounting and Operations
- Issue sales invoices and review purchase invoice
- Maintain daily accounts payable/receivable and general ledger entries
- Manage daily cashflow reporting and credit control processes
Financial Reporting
- Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations across multiple entities and currencies
- Investigate reconciling items and resolve aged balances
- Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities
- Prepare balance sheets, profit and loss statements, budgets, and forecasts
Compliance and Statutory Requirements
- Prepare VAT declarations and statutory financial filings
- Support external auditors and address partner or stakeholder queries
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory obligations
Process Improvement
- Identify and implement opportunities for workflow improvement
- Support automation initiatives within the finance function
- Strengthen existing financial controls and documentation
HR and Payroll Support
- Assist with payroll preparation
- Maintain accurate employee records and contractual documentation
Candidate Profile
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in accounting or auditing
- Experience in multi-entity or international accounting environments
- Sector experience in energy, commodities, or petroleum trading is an advantage
- Proficiency with accounting systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 / Business Central is beneficial
- Strong Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables
- Professional level of English
- Strong attention to detail, proactive mindset, and the ability to work independently
Why This Role Stands Out
- This position offers exposure to a business trading a wide portfolio of petroleum, petrochemical, and biofuel products across Europe. With recent annual revenues exceeding £230 million and ongoing expansion across its European network, the organisation provides a stimulating environment for someone who enjoys responsibility, pace, and process improvement.
- You will gain:
- Broad responsibility across all areas of finance
- The ability to influence and improve finance processes
- Exposure to a dynamic trading environment
- Collaboration with international teams across several European locations
FAQs
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