Job Title: Head of Accounts
Location: Exeter, Devon, onsite with occasional remote
Reports to: Finance Director and Board of Directors
Department: Finance & Accounts
Type: Full-time, permanent
About the Role
WA Consultants are seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Accounts to lead our finance and accounts team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all accounting functions. You’ll manage and develop a team of accounts and finance assistants, ensuring high standards of performance and professional growth.
This role requires a hands on leader who can manage all aspects of the finance function — from transactional processing to management accounts — while maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders including clients, suppliers, banks, and auditors.
Key Responsibilities
* Leadership & Management
* Lead, support, and develop a team of accounts and finance assistants.
* Allocate workloads, set priorities, and ensure deadlines are met.
* Implement efficient processes and controls to support business growth.
* Financial Operations
* Oversee all aspects of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
* Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and debt collection activities.
* Review and approve reconciliations, journals, and month-end procedures.
* Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
* Management Accounts
* Prepare or oversee preparation of monthly management accounts.
* Support budgeting and forecasting processes.
* Provide financial insight and analysis to support decision-making.
* External Relations
* Liaise with external clients regarding payments and account queries.
* Manage relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely payments and resolution of issues.
* Act as the main point of contact for auditors, banks, and other external partners.
* Compliance & Controls
* Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
* Maintain up-to-date financial records and documentation for audit readiness.
* Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Key Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in a senior accounting or finance management role.
* Strong people management skills with the ability to mentor and motivate a team.
* Solid understanding of financial processes, controls, and reporting.
* Hands-on experience with debt collection and cash flow management.
* Confident communicator, able to liaise effectively with clients, suppliers, and auditors.
* Strong IT skills, particularly with accounting software and Excel.
* Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and time management skills.
Qualifications AAT / ACCA / CIMA qualified or part-qualified, or equivalent experience.
* Prior experience in a business services environment is an advantage.
Personal Attributes
* Professional, approachable, and collaborative leadership style.
* Proactive and solution-focused with a hands-on approach.
* Adaptable to change and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
* Strong ethical standards and integrity in all financial dealings.
Salary – £55, to £60, per annum (dependant on experience)
Very attractive benefits package
WA Consultants is an Employment Business and an Employment Agency as described within The Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations .