Fixed Asset Accountant

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK's fastest growing data centre provider which owns, designs, builds and operates the country's most efficient and flexible data centres.

In May 2023 we announced our plans to expand into continental Europe, with our first data centre due to open in Berlin in 2026, to be quickly followed by two full campuses and expansion into other countries in the pipeline.

Our purpose is to serve humanity by being an active, positive participant in the 4th industrial revolution. When we talk about our purpose, we refer to our customers' customers; the child playing a computer game, the person watching their favourite movie, booking a medical appointment, a plane ticket, a hotel or doing their online banking; those things can't be done if we don't do our job.

Our mission is to consistently exceed the expectations of customers through innovative, high-quality solutions and services. We employ intelligent thinkers – people with positive attitudes, who add to the quality of our customer proposition and business.

We value individual endeavour and initiative and encourage teamwork and togetherness because collective experience and expertise is VIRTUS' greatest strength.

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced Fixed Assets Accountant to join our Record to Report team to assist with the management of our fixed assets to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance. Implementing best practice in terms of Finance processes, controls and system improvements relating to fixed assets.

The role would suit a qualified Accountant with 1-3+ years' of practical post-qualification experience in a Finance team, and someone who is pro-active and forward thinking in driving through change within the Finance Team.

Duties and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to the following:

• Asset Management:
• Maintain the fixed assets register (FAR), ensuring all acquisitions, transfers, and disposals are accurately recorded.
• Conduct periodic physical inventory counts and reconciliations of fixed assets. Including subsequent cleansing of the FAR
• Ensure proper tagging and identification of all fixed assets.
• Accounting and Reporting:
• Assign and record WBS codes for new Capex projects in SAP, ensuring supporting documentation is maintained
• Monthly review of Capex Purchase Orders (PO) to ensure they are classified correctly and are closed when complete
• Prepare journals to record asset acquisitions, disposals, and transfers in the general ledger.
• Calculate and record depreciation for all fixed assets.
• Monthly monitoring of assets under construction (AUC); identifying IAS16 capitalisation criteria and maintenance of supporting documents;
• PPE transfers for new sites as they come live – min 2 expected in 2026
• Preparation of all balance sheet reconciliations relating to fixed assets and leases
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual fixed asset reports and schedules for financial reporting and audits.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements by providing fixed asset data and analysis.
• Compliance and Control:
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and company policies.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors, providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• ONS submissions
• Process Improvement:
• Identify opportunities for improving the fixed assets management process.
• Implement best practices and process enhancements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Collaboration:
• Work closely with other departments, such as procurement, IT, Design and Build and operations, to ensure accurate and timely recording of fixed asset transactions.
• Provide guidance and support to other team members on fixed asset-related matters.

Any other reasonable requests made by the UK Finance Manager, Group Financial Controller and/or VP Financial Reporting and Controls.

Candidate profile

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Accountancy qualification (CIMA or ACCA or ACA).

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level.

Experience:

Essential:

• Strong knowledge and practical experience in usage and development of ERP systems, specifically SAP.
• Sound practical knowledge and experience of finance processes and controls relating to fixed asset management and interest in continuous process improvement/optimisation.
• Strong IFRS 16 and IAS 16 knowledge and experience
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Good communication skills and comfortable with regular exposure to senior management.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with data centre sector or other technology/capital intensive businesses advantageous.
• Experience with Maximo
• Practical experience of finance transformation activities such as implementation, testing and embedding of a new accounting system
• Advanced Excel skills including use of power query for data analysis.

Skills:

Essential:

• Ability to contribute to and work well with the team and other stakeholders.
• Planning and organisation skills and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines and manage fluctuations in workload.

In line with the VIRTUS' Safeguarding Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.