Head of Financial Accounting

Smiley & Co, Ltd.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government organization is seeking a Head of Financial Accounting to lead a specialist team central to finance operations. This pivotal role requires a CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant focused on integrity in financial reporting and managing significant audits. Candidates should possess exceptional communication and influencing skills to drive financial stewardship and collaborate effectively across various stakeholders.

Benefits

Flexible working options promoting work-life balance

Generous annual leave starting at 25 days

8 Bank Holidays plus a Privilege Day

Latest IT and tech devices

Inclusive culture with staff communities

Tailored learning and development, including paid apprenticeships

Discount schemes on high street brands

Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing

Cycle to work scheme and gym memberships

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA) with extensive knowledge of financial accounting.
• Experience in statutory reporting frameworks like UK GAAP and IFRS.
• Proven ability to lead financial activities in large, complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Accounting Team ensuring financial integrity.
• Produce accurate financial reports including the Annual Report and Accounts.
• Provide assurance regarding all financials ensuring compliance with standards.

Skills

Communication

Influencing

Financial Accounting

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualified

Job description

Location: Bristol, Nottingham, Swansea

Salary:£58,857 per annum

The Role
This position is to lead the Financial Accounting Team. This specialist team sits at the heart of Finance. The team is responsible for the integrity of the finance systems, statutory reporting, and managing the balance sheet including fixed assets.

This is a key position offering an opportunity to shape how the team operates and influence its future direction.

Applicants must be CCAB, CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with an excellent track record of delivery in large and complex organisations. You will enjoy collaborating and working with a broad range of stakeholders.

The organisation is a large, complex government organisation responsible for road safety. It operates across Great Britain, generating annual income of around £450m and employing approximately 4,600 people.

The Head of Financial Accounting is responsible for ensuring effective financial stewardship of the organisation. This includes compliance with financial standards and best practices, delivery of the Annual Report and Accounts, managing the annual audit, and delivering an unqualified audit opinion.

The position directly leads a team of 5 colleagues, also providing influence and direction to the entire Finance department on financial accounting matters. It provides expertise in financial accounting and has exposure to senior leaders as well as external stakeholders.

The role works with managers and leaders across the Agency supporting front-line delivery and decision-making.

Responsibilities
The main duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to the achievement of their strategy by ensuring robust systems of internal control, financial sustainability, meeting financial objectives, and realizing value for money.
• Providing assurance to the Accounting Officer regarding the propriety and regularity of all income, expenditure, assets, liabilities, and reserves, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial accounts and procedures.
• Producing accurate and timely financial reports, including the published Annual Report and Accounts.

Person Specification
You will be a fully qualified CCAB, CIMA Accountant (or equivalent) with excellent knowledge and experience of financial accounting.
You will have great communication and influencing skills, able to deliver complex finance messages to diverse stakeholders.
You will have extensive experience working within statutory reporting frameworks (such as UK GAAP, IFRS) and delivering Annual Report and Accounts or equivalent.
You are proactive with a strong record of delivery.
You will have experience leading financial activities in a large and complex organisation.
You possess the confidence and enthusiasm to make a real impact within your team, driving shared objectives.

About Them
The organisation helps keep Britain moving safely and sustainably by ensuring vehicle safety, road safety, and environmental sustainability.

Their Goals Include

• Making roads safer
• Improving services for customers
• Making road transport greener and healthier
• Harnessing technology and data
• Growing and leveling up the economy

Benefits

• Flexible working options promoting work-life balance
• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, increasing to 30 with service
• 8 Bank Holidays plus a Privilege Day for the King's birthday
• Latest IT and tech devices
• Inclusive culture with staff communities
• Tailored learning and development, including paid apprenticeships up to Master’s level
• Discount schemes on high street brands
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing
• Cycle to work scheme and gym memberships

To Apply
If interested and qualified, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.