Senior Accountant

Senior Accountant | Energy Trading Sector | Central London (Hybrid Working) | £85,000 | Permanent Role

Robert Half are recruiting for a Qualified Accountant to join a global Energy Trading & Infrastructure business as a Senior Accountant, based in Central London. This is a highly commercial, front-office facing role offering extensive exposure to Traders, Business Developers, and senior leadership, including the CEO.

Sitting within the Finance Operations team, this position is far broader than a traditional financial accounting role. The successful candidate will work closely with the trading desk, supporting mark-to-market valuations, applying IFRS to complex trading contracts and derivatives, and providing analytical insight to support commercial decision-making.

The business trades power, gas, and environmental certificates, using a range of derivatives including forwards, futures, swaps, and options. The UK platform is fully integrated into a global trading business, providing a unique opportunity to combine technical accounting expertise with commercial exposure within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role within the Finance team, acting as a key link between Finance and the Front Office. This is an analytical and commercially focused role suited to someone who enjoys working in an evolving, unstructured environment rather than purely routine accounting processes.

Key responsibilities include

Supporting and running mark-to-market valuations for trading activities and derivative contracts. Applying IFRS accounting standards, including IFRS 9, to complex trading agreements and commercial contracts. Partnering closely with Traders, Business Developers, and senior stakeholders to provide financial insight and commercial support. Producing detailed KPI analysis, variance reporting, and ad-hoc financial analysis to support strategic decision-making. Interpreting and assessing the accounting treatment of derivatives, PPAs, structured contracts, and traded instruments. Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis across trading activities. Ensuring accurate accounting treatment and booking of derivative transactions. Designing and maintaining complex Excel-based models and reports to support operational and commercial performance. Supporting audit and compliance activities where required.

This role is significantly less focused on routine month-end accounting tasks such as balance sheet reconciliations, payment runs, and journal posting. Instead, the emphasis is on understanding how derivatives work, performing valuations, and providing commercially focused accounting support to the trading business.

What We're Looking For

Minimum of 7 years' experience in finance roles within the energy, commodities, or oil and gas sectors is essential. Prior experience within trading environments is also essential. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent). Strong understanding of IFRS, particularly IFRS 9, with experience applying accounting standards to derivatives and trading contracts. Experience working closely with front-office or commercial teams within energy or commodities businesses. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to work in a fast-paced, unstructured, and commercially driven environment. Experience with mark-to-market valuations, trading activities, or derivative accounting is essential. Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities. * Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.

What's On Offer

Salary: £85,000 Hybrid working Generous annual bonus Pension: 12% employer contribution 28 days holiday plus bank holidays Group Life Cover: 8x base salary Private Medical Insurance: family coverage High exposure to front-office trading activities and senior leadership Opportunity to develop within a global energy trading platform

Why This Role Could Be Your Next Move

This is an opportunity to move into a highly visible and commercially focused finance role within a leading energy trading business. You will work directly with the Front Office, gaining exposure to derivatives, trading strategies, and commercial decision-making while applying technical accounting expertise in a genuinely value-adding capacity.

If you are looking to step away from heavily process-driven month-end accounting and into a more analytical, commercially engaged role with direct exposure to trading activities, this position offers an excellent platform for long-term career development within the energy and commodities sector.

Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: