Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
Harlow, Essex (4 days in office – non-negotiable)
Kick-start or grow your finance career with a high-impact role
We’re looking for a motivated, detail-driven Assistant Accountant to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, large-scale finance environment, working closely with an experienced Finance Manager and contributing to key financial processes.
If you're someone who thrives in structured environments, enjoys working with robust systems, and wants to deepen your accounting knowledge—this role is built for you.
Why Join Us?
Real exposure to end-to-end finance in a complex business environment
Work with advanced ERP systems (SAP or similar)
Gain valuable experience across month-end, reporting, and compliance
Opportunity to support budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes
A strong platform for those progressing towards ACCA, CIMA, or ACA
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting the Finance Manager, you’ll play a key role in ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance. Your responsibilities will include:
Assisting in the production of monthly management accounts and financial reports
Preparing and posting accruals, prepayments, and journals
Completing balance sheet reconciliations and submitting them in BlackLine
Supporting VAT and corporate tax reporting processes
Managing and clearing GRIR reconciliations, tracking actions to resolution
Assisting with the budgeting process and cash flow forecasting
Maintaining the assets under construction ledger, ensuring projects are closed in a timely manner
Supporting finance projects and ad-hoc analysis
✅ What We’re Looking For
Ideally a minimum of AAT Level 3 qualified
Experience working in a large, complex organisation (manufacturing advantageous)
Ambition to progress towards ACCA / CIMA / ACA (desirable)
Hands-on experience with SAP or a similar ERP system
Strong attention to detail with a proactive, can-do attitude
Comfortable working in a structured environment with multiple stakeholders
Working Pattern
This role is based in Harlow, with 4 days per week in the office (non-negotiable). This ensures you gain full exposure, training, and collabo
ration with the wider finance team.
Global Benefits Overview
Competitive, market-aligned compensation
Discretionary global bonus scheme
Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
