Head of Financial Accounting

Career Moves Group; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international project-based business seeks a Head of Financial Accounting in London. This key role involves strategic leadership and financial management, including overseeing monthly accounts, enhancing financial controls, and managing international tax compliance. The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with experience in global finance. Excellent communication and leadership skills are essential for guiding a diverse finance team and ensuring commercial success across projects.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a project-driven, international environment.
• Experience managing international tax compliance and collaborating with global teams/advisors.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial statements.
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and reporting frameworks.
• Lead finance team and manage all UK tax compliance.

Skills

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Strong technical knowledge across UK financial reporting

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Tools

Financial systems and ERP software

Job description

CMG are partnering with a leading international project-based business, who are looking to appoint a new Head of Financial Accounting in their organisation.

This pivotal role combines strategic leadership with direct financial management, ensuring strong financial controls, and driving commercial success across global projects.

The successful candidate will bring deep technical expertise, especially in international tax and project finance, while providing mentoring and leadership across a diverse finance team. You will work closely with senior leadership to guide financial strategy and decision-making, ensuring that finance supports the wider business objectives and goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts, and statutory financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls, reporting frameworks and risk management procedures
• Lead finance team consisting of qualified nonqualified individuals
• Lead the annual audit process and ensure ongoing compliance with all UK and international financial regulations.
• Take ownership of project accounting and ensure financial oversight of projects globally — including budget tracking, variance analysis, profitability reviews and forecasting.
• Support commercial teams in bidding for new work, including preparation of project financials, cost models, and scenario analysis.
• Monitor financial performance of live projects, identifying and resolving risks early, and supporting contract compliance and billing processes.
• Manage all UK tax compliance, including VAT, payroll taxes, corporation tax
• Provide oversight and coordination of overseas tax matters, ensuring compliance in multiple regions and collaborating closely with local advisors as required.
• Function as the primary liaison with external tax consultants, auditors, and HMRC on all financial and tax matters
• Partner with leadership on long-term planning, budgeting, and performance analysis.
• Deliver financial insight and recommendations to support business decision-making, particularly in the context of international expansion and project delivery.
• Contribute to financial strategy, including funding options, investment appraisal, and risk management initiatives.

Key Skills & Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a project-driven, international environment.
• Strong technical knowledge across UK financial reporting, tax, and international financial operations.
• Experience managing international tax compliance and collaborating with global teams/advisors.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing finance teams.
• Advanced Excel skills; proficiency with financial systems and ERP software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels.

Apply now