Head of Accounting

Robert Walters UK; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Our client is seeking a Head of Accounting for the UK & Ireland, who will play a pivotal role in managing everyday financial operations, assuring legal compliance, and guiding financial reporting. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead accounting teams across Leeds, Manchester, and Ireland, ensuring meticulous adherence to both IFRS and local regulatory frameworks. The successful candidate will be instrumental in presenting financial data, steering the adoption of the SAP system and finance transformation.

What you'll do:

As the Head of Accounting for the UK & Ireland regions, your primary responsibility will be to manage everyday financial operations while ensuring legal compliance. You will guide financial reporting for these regions while providing leadership to the accounting teams in Leeds, Manchester, and Ireland. Your role will entail steering multiple general accounting teams across these regions, ensuring meticulous adherence to both IFRS and local regulatory frameworks. You will also be instrumental in presenting financial data, steering the adoption of the SAP system and leading finance transformation. You will also be part of a dynamic transformation journey, driving finance process improvements, SAP integration and the convergence of financial structures across multiple entities in the UK & Ireland.

• Provide developmental support, goal-setting, and expert mentorship to the accounting teams
• Coordinate, prepare and submit IFRS monthly, quarterly, and annual financials
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure financial integrity
• Oversee VAT, PAYE, and other tax filings and ensure timely and accurate submissions
• Participate actively in finance function transformation which aims at improving finance expertise, standardizing and optimizing finance processes
• Lead the stabilization of the finance team post-transformation by ensuring clear role definitions, upskilling initiatives, and fostering engagement within the regional and group finance function

What you bring:

The ideal candidate for this Head of Accounting position will bring a wealth of experience in finance with a strong focus on sales-focused industrial finance. You should have at least 5 years' experience in a leadership role with a proven track record of managing large teams. A strong background in IFRS is essential along with advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills. Attention to detail is key in this role, as you will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial information.

• A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in finance including 7-10 years in a sales-focused industrial finance position
• At least 5 years in a leadership role
• Strong background in IFRS experience
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Willingness and ability to travel between various locations in the UK (Leeds and Manchester) and Ireland (Dublin)
• Strong attention to detail

What sets this company apart:

Our client offers a dynamic and innovative international culture where you can shape the future of finance. You will have the opportunity to drive excellence and strategic endeavours in an environment committed to growth and innovation. This role allows you to take ownership of regional finance operations, shaping financial strategy and ensuring alignment with the organisation’s broader objectives.

About the job

Contract Type: FULL_TIME
Specialism: Accountancy & Finance
Focus: CFO/Finance Director/Financial Controller
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Experience Level: Senior Management
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 per annum + bonus + wider benefits