Senior Manager, External Reporting Location: Manchester or Peterborough (Hybrid 1-2 days per week on-site) About the Role: Reporting to the Head of Financial Control, the Senior Manager External Reporting will play a critical role in the preparation of the Group Annual Report and Accounts, and subsidiary financial statements under IFRS. This role includes leading the technical aspects of the Group consolidation process and managing the relationship with the external auditors, as well as overseeing the Group's regulatory reporting. In addition to core reporting responsibilities, the Senior Manager will lead key financial and regulatory reporting projects, such as implementation of new accounting standards or regulations; and assess the accounting implications of corporate transactions, such as corporate simplifications and acquisitions. The successful candidate will also act as a subject matter expert, providing technical accounting guidance across the wider Finance team. This is a high-responsibility role that demands precision, resilience, and sustained performance through intense reporting cycles. It requires a high level of technical proficiency, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent priorities. Key Responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end delivery of the Group Annual Report and Accounts, and subsidiary financial statements in accordance with IFRS. Drive the Group consolidation process across a complex multi-entity structure, ensuring appropriate elimination of intra-group balances and accurate consolidated disclosures. Act as the principal liaison with external auditors, coordinating group-wide audit activity and managing resolution of technical queries and deliverables within agreed timelines. Prepare complex technical accounting position papers and provide oversight and challenge of key accounting estimates and judgements. Provide technical advice to the business on the accounting treatment of complex transactions, including acquisitions, reorganisations, and financing arrangements. Act as a subject matter expert across Finance, offering technical leadership and peer review support to divisional reporting teams. Oversee the preparation and review of regulatory returns (e.g. RMARs), ensuring full compliance with FCA requirements and alignment with internal financial data. About you: ACA qualified with a strong PQE, within a Big Four audit firm. Demonstrated experience in senior external reporting roles, leading complex consolidations and managing full audit lifecycles across multiple entities. Experience coordinating across multiple teams and functions under stringent deadlines. Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP, with a strong track record of drafting complex technical papers and applying technical standards in a commercial context. Proven ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and maintain delivery standards under high-pressure timeframes. Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with confidence engaging at senior leadership and Board level. Prior experience within a regulated financial services environment and exposure to FCA regulatory reporting requirements. Experience coaching and developing a team of finance professionals. Advanced Excel and reporting system capabilities (e.g. consolidation or ERP platforms).