About ARC Ratings
ARC Ratings is an international, pan-European credit rating agency, headquartered in London (Canary Wharf) with its main EU office in Lisbon and staff strategically placed across locations including Milan, Madrid, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi and South Africa. Registered with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ARC provides independent public and private credit ratings across corporates, financial institutions, sovereigns and structured finance — with ratings eligible under the Basel and Solvency II frameworks.
ARC Ratings, S.A. is the Group's EU-regulated entity and serves as its main EU operational hub. It forms part of the wider ARC Risk Group, which operates through two divisions — ARC Ratings and ARC Analytics — alongside UK and US group entities. Originally founded in Lisbon in 1988 as Companhia Portuguesa de Rating (CPR), the business has a strong legacy in the industry.
Role Purpose
We are looking for a Portuguese Contabilista Certificado (CC), in good standing with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC), to take ownership of the accounting, tax and payroll obligations of ARC Ratings, S.A. Given the Group's multi-entity, multi-jurisdiction structure (Portugal, UK, HK and US), the role also provides support across other Group businesses and works closely with the Group Finance Function.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is technically strong on Portuguese statutory requirements, comfortable owning the full accounting cycle, and confident operating in an English-speaking international group.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting, bookkeeping, payments & tax
- Maintain the day-to-day accounting records of ARC Ratings, S.A. in accordance with the Portuguese accounting standards (SNC), acting as the appointed CC for the entity.
- Own the general ledger and full month-end and year-end close process.
- Own the tax compliance and remittance process for the Portuguese entity, covering both corporate/indirect taxes (IRC, VAT) and employment taxes (IRS withholding and Social Security).
- Own the weekly Bill Payments process for the Portuguese entity, with a strong adherence to Group Finance Policy.
Payroll & social security
- Process monthly employee payroll in line with Portuguese conventions.
- Calculate and remit Social Security contributions.
- Handle payroll edge cases such as new joiners/leavers, parental and other statutory leave prorations, and contractor/withholding treatment.
- Maintain payroll records and produce salary transfer instructions, payslips and employment/income confirmations for banking and other purposes.
Year-end audit support
- Act as the primary point of contact for the statutory audit and, where applicable, the Group audit process.
Group & intercompany support
- Support other Group businesses (UK, US, HK and other entities) as capacity allows, including intercompany reconciliations and cross-charging.
- Provide data and reconciled figures into Group consolidation reporting and assist with alignment of accounting treatment across entities.
- Liaise with Group finance and with external advisors (accountants, auditors, tax and legal counsel) in Portugal and other jurisdictions.
Controls, compliance & general finance
- Maintain robust internal controls, documentation and an orderly audit trail.
- Keep abreast of changes in Portuguese tax and accounting legislation and flag impacts proactively.
- Support ad hoc finance and operations projects (e.g. system/tooling improvements, process documentation, management accounting and budgeting).
Requirements
- Contabilista Certificado (CC), currently registered and in good standing with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC) — mandatory.
- Comfortable working in English in an international group environment (written and spoken) — mandatory
- Solid experience maintaining the full accounting cycle for a Portuguese company.
- Strong, practical knowledge of Portuguese tax obligations.
- Proficiency with Portuguese accounting/invoicing software — Jasmin / Cegid experience strongly preferred.
- High attention to detail, well organised, deadline-driven, and able to work independently.
Desirable
- Experience within financial services or a regulated entity (e.g. exposure to ESMA-regulated businesses).
- Experience in a multi-entity / international group with intercompany and consolidation work.
- Familiarity with UK/US accounting basics or a willingness to build cross-border understanding.
What We Offer
- A visible, ownership-level finance role within the EU hub of an international credit rating group, with strong career progression opportunities as the Group expands.
- Broad, varied work spanning statutory accounting, tax, payroll, audit and cross-border group support.
- Optionality on either a hybrid or a remote working arrangement.
To apply, email your CV along with a short cover letter in English to morgan.johnson@arcriskgroup.com.