Location: Woking
Contract type: fixed term for 6 months
Title: Head of Accounting & Reporting
We are recruiting a
Head of Accounting & Reporting
to join our client's Finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a senior role within the finance function, reporting directly to the Finance Director, with responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial accounting and reporting.
Key responsibilities:
* Lead and review reporting to shareholders, including submission of monthly accounts, consolidation, and relevant analysis
* Oversee other monthly reporting required by external stakeholders (e.g. banks, pension schemes, credit insurers)
* Oversight and review of preparation of UK statutory accounts and European statutory accounting
* Support balance sheet and cashflow forecasting, with ownership of consolidated balance sheet and cashflow for the Group
* Manage the external audit process, including auditor relationships, audit-specific requests, and technical accounting matters
* Manage financial aspects of internal audit reviews and findings
* Lead on sustainability and other ESG reporting
* Manage the Financial Accounting & Reporting team (3 direct reports), finance systems, and financial compliance manager
* Work as part of the Finance senior management team, collaborating with other leaders across the business
* Contribute to the development and optimisation of accounting and reporting IT systems
* Ensure compliance with statutory and governance reporting (e.g. payment practices, statistical reporting)
* Drive transformation within the finance function, improving processes and controls
* Ensure proper application of accounting policies, proposing corrections and remediations where required
* Act as the key technical accounting expert and advisor to stakeholders across the business
Key skills & experience:
* Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with strong technical grounding
* Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience
* Strong knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and their practical application
* Experience managing audits and working with external auditors
* Attention to detail with ability to resolve discrepancies quickly
* Proven leadership experience in managing and developing teams
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
* Proficiency in finance systems (preferred but not essential)
* Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to manage complexity under pressure
* Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
* Collaborative approach with stakeholders at all levels