Head of Central Accounting

PD Ports; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Maternity leave

Paternity leave

Adoption leave

Life insurance

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

PD Ports, a leading UK port business, invites applications for Head of Central Accounting at Head Office in Middlesbrough. This 12-month fixed-term role offers hybrid working with four days in the office, 35 hours per week. Salary range is £50,000–£57,000 per annum.

You will lead the central accounting team, prepare monthly management accounts, consolidations and year-end financials, while ensuring strong controls and collaboration with audit and Group Reporting.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with 3+ years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a financial leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS with the ability to produce high-quality reports and analyses.
• Proven track record of working with external auditors.
• Excellent financial analysis, attention to detail and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, engage, and develop the central accounting team.
• Ensure timely production of monthly management accounts, group consolidation, and stakeholder reporting.
• Oversee year-end financial information, audit support, and statutory accounts.
• Review internal controls and ensure SOX control relevance.
• Collaborate on treasury management and cash forecasting.
• Ensure adherence to procedures and drive improvements and automation.

Skills

Financial leadership

UK GAAP & IFRS knowledge

Financial reporting

Audit coordination

Education

ACA or ACCA qualification

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Location: Queens Square, Middlesbrough, TS2 1AH

Closing Date: 18th September 2026

PD Ports is a leading UK port business offering end-to-end supply chain solutions, employing over 1,400 people in the UK. With headquarters based in the Northeast of England, PD Ports owns and operates theUK’s sixth largest port by volume. Operating out of 11 key portsand logistics centres across the UK, we are committed to retaining and developing talent nationwide.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Finance team as Head of Central Accounting reporting to the Finance Director – Financial Planning and Reporting.This is a fixed-term role for 12 months in duration.

Location: Head Office, Middlesbrough. Hybrid working available with four days based in the office.

Working Arrangements: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

Salary: £50,000 to £57,000 per annum.

As Head of Central Accounting, you will be responsible for:

• Leading, engaging and developing the central accounting team.
• Ensuring the timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts (profit & loss, cash flow and balance sheet), group consolidation and supporting the Group Reporting team with preparation of stakeholder reporting.
• Ensuring the timely and accurate production of Year End financial information and supporting the Group Reporting team with the year end audit and preparation of statutory accounts.
• Reviewing and signing off internal controls (including SOX controls), ensuring process flows and walkthroughs are up to date and relevant to the process.
• Working with the Head of Transactional Services and Group reporting team on the completion of treasury management and cash forecasting.
• Ensuring adherence to internal financial procedures and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation for all aspects of the role.

We are seeking someone who:

• Is a fully qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA), with 3+ years post qualification experience
• Has experience in a financial leadership role.
• Has strong technical accounting knowledge, including UK GAAP and IFRS, with the ability to produce high-quality financial reports, consolidations, and analysis.
• Proven track record of driving financial performance and process improvements.
• Experience working with external auditors.
• Excellent financial analysis and problem-solving skills, with a strong attention to detail and a focus on accuracy and compliance.

We offer 25 days holiday, paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave, life insurance and a cycle to work scheme.