Your new company I am working with a well‑established, privately owned organisation operating across the UK and Europe. The business has a strong operational footprint, a growing international presence, and a clear focus on robust governance, compliance, and financial control. Your new role This newly-created role would be suited to an experienced Accountant to lead the financial accounting, statutory reporting, and control environment of the business. This is a senior technical role, fully focused on financial accounting rather than management accounting or commercial finance. The role is critical to safeguarding the integrity of the balance sheet, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance, and acting as the key point of contact for auditors and external advisors. Key responsibilities include: Full ownership of balance sheet integrity, including reconciliations and substantiation Preparation and oversight of statutory accounts in line with relevant accounting standards Responsibility for statutory, regulatory, and compliance reporting obligations Leading external and internal audit processes and managing audit relationships Oversight of tax compliance including corporation tax, VAT, payroll taxes, and statutory filings Maintaining and enhancing financial controls, policies, and procedures Accurate accounting for fixed assets, leases, provisions, accruals, and prepayments Ownership of the general ledger and chart of accounts Oversight of cash, banking, and treasury processes Ensuring finance systems support strong control, auditability, and data integrity Providing technical accounting support and guidance to senior finance leadership Leading and developing a finance team with a strong financial accounting discipline What you'll need to succeed The right person will have proven experience in a Financial Accountant role, with a strong technical accounting background and deep balance sheet expertise. You will have demonstrable experience preparing statutory accounts, managing audits, and ensuring full compliance with UK accounting standards and tax requirements. You will be professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA or equivalent), with a high level of attention to detail and a strong control‑focused mindset. The role requires the ability to interpret and apply accounting standards to complex transactions, communicate confidently with auditors and external advisors, and work effectively to tight statutory and regulatory deadlines. Strong Excel skills are essential, and experience with established finance systems is advantageous. I would consider a first-time mover from professional practice. What you'll get in return This role offers a competitive salary with experience and the opportunity to take on a senior, technically focused position with clear accountability and ownership. You will operate in a complex UK and European environment within a well‑structured finance function, enjoying a high level of autonomy and exposure to a strong governance‑led culture. The organisation offers supportive senior leadership, and an attractive overall benefits package including pension and holiday allowance. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays