Prolific: Financial Accountant

About Prolific

Prolific is pioneering the human data infrastructure crucial for advancing AI development. In an era where AI technology is rapidly commoditizing, the quality and diversity of human-generated data are paramount differentiators. We connect researchers and companies with a global participant pool, enabling the collection of high-quality, ethically sourced human behavioral data essential for building more accurate and nuanced AI systems.

We believe the next significant leap in AI will stem from integrating diverse human perspectives, positioning Prolific at the vanguard of AI innovation that truly reflects humanity.

The Role

Prolific is seeking an ambitious and proactive newly qualified accountant to join our cohesive Finance team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for career progression and technical skill enhancement. You will contribute to key deliverables including month-end close, statutory reporting, and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, committed to accurate financial reporting, and delivers work to a high standard within deadlines. As a team player, you'll collaborate effectively while also taking ownership of tasks independently.

What You'll Be Doing

• Take ownership of month-end tasks, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and P&L variance analysis with accompanying commentaries.
• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns.
• Manage and respond to finance-related queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Process customer refunds, ensuring compliance with AML requirements.
• Develop automations and efficiencies in existing processes to reduce month-end close time.
• Update financial policies to optimize efficiency while maintaining strong internal controls.
• Identify opportunities for improvements in company-wide reporting and collaborate with colleagues to implement them.
• Reduce finance-related queries from customers and internal teams by identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
• Ensure accurate allocation of costs to appropriate verticals and budget holders.
• Track and reconcile user balance cash flow movements.
• Support the preparation of financial reports and invoices for key customers, monitoring spend against contracts.
• Assist the FP&A team in maintaining an up-to-date and accurate company re-forecast.
• Undertake ad-hoc projects as required.

What You'll Bring

• Recently qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA preferred).
• Proven experience performing month-end tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Experience working with large datasets, with a keen eye for accuracy and discrepancy identification.
• A proactive problem-solving approach, with confidence in suggesting process improvements.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, ideally with prior startup/scale-up experience.
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly and adapt to change.
• Confident communicator capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including those from non-finance backgrounds.

Even Better If You Have

• Experience with Xero and Google Workspace (e.g., Google Sheets).
• A genuine interest in AI and emerging technologies, and their application to financial processes.
• Experience implementing new finance software.
• Experience supporting the audit process.

Why Prolific is a Great Place to Work

Join us at the forefront of AI innovation and contribute to our mission-driven culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the flexibility of remote working while being part of a team that values impact and groundbreaking research.