Accounting Manager

AFL; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global telecommunications company in Milton Keynes is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee UK accounting control functions and ensure compliance. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of US and UK GAAP. Responsibilities include managing financial reporting, preparing statutory accounts, and liaising with external audits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years post qualification experience in accounting or finance.
• At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of tax regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting operations and strengthen internal controls.
• Manage balance sheet integrity and financial governance.
• Prepare statutory accounts and ensure audit compliance.

Skills

Strong knowledge of US and UK GAAP

Leadership skills

Cash management

Financial reporting

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Founded in 1984, AFL is an industry-recognized global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure. Our customer-first, high-speed fiber network solutions serve various markets – including energy, enterprise, and hyperscale – across 130+ countries. Products and services include single- and multi-mode optical fiber cable, test and inspection equipment, and our award-winning Data Center Interconnect solution, enabling centralized resource management for enhanced performance across multiple data center facilities.

Our recent European expansion brings end-to-end, sustainable optical fiber solutions closer to our valued EMEA customers, prioritizing customer satisfaction while lowering emissions in line with our Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

AFL is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, United States, with facilities in multiple global locations, including the UK, Canada, India, China, Mexico, and Australia. AFL is a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd.

The Accounting Manager will take ownership of the UK accounting control function, ensuring robust financial governance and compliance. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading accounting operations and strengthening internal controls over financial reporting.
• Managing balance sheet integrity (accruals, provisions, working capital, liquidity, fixed assets) under US GAAP and IFRS 16.
• Preparing statutory accounts for UK entities and branches in line with UK GAAP (FRS 102) and regional requirements.
• Driving timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual closings.
• Overseeing cash management and optimizing working capital.
• Acting as primary liaison for external audits and ensuring smooth completion.
• Managing UK tax reporting (CIT, R&D, Patent Box, P11Ds, PSAs) and supporting corporate tax compliance.

Preferred qualifications & experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5+ years post qualification experience with progressive experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role
• Strong knowledge of US and UK GAAP (FRS 102), IFRS, JSOX, VAT and tax regulations.

Qualifications Experience

Required 5 years

Post qualification experience with progressive experience in accounting or finance, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role