Head of Financial Accounting

WH Smith PLC; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A trusted British retail brand is seeking a Head of Financial Accounting at their Swindon Support Centre. This pivotal role involves leading the Financial Accounting team, overseeing financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience and relevant qualifications. The role offers a hybrid working model and a collaborative team environment with strong focus on growth and development.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Car allowance

Private medical scheme

Annual company bonus

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Approximately 5 years post-qualified experience with a focus on financial accounting.
• Strong understanding of accounting standards and risk mitigation.
• Ability to manage financial processes and systems effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Financial Accounting team and oversee financial reporting.
• Manage the budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Ensure compliance with IAS 17 and IFRS 16.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Advanced data analysis

Financial accounting

IFRS 16 understanding

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Job description

Head of Financial Accounting

Location; Swindon Support Centre (hybrid working with 3 days per week in the office)

With a rich heritage and a new name, TGJones is the fresh face of a much-loved and trusted British brand. Our roots lie in WHSmith, where we've proudly supported the high street retail estate for generations. Now, under the ownership of specialist retail investors, Modella Capital, we're entering an exciting new chapter with bold ambitions to become 'Your Hub of the High Street'.

About the role

We're seeking a strategic, commercially astute, results-driven Head of Financial Accounting to join our High Street Finance team, based at our Support Centre in Swindon. This is a pivotal role, with a high degree of autonomy, leadership and accountability within a successful and established retail brand.

In this role, as an experienced Qualified Accountant, you will be responsible for delivering a complete management accounting service as well as Property/Capital accounting. You will lead the production of accurate and relevant financial information for both management and statutory accounts, playing a key role within our Finance Team by providing effective financial support. Your focus will be on delivering reliable, high-quality financial information with clarity to key stakeholders and business units. Key responsibilities will include;

• Provide leadership and effective management of the Financial Accounting team, ensuring team objectives are met and standards upheld
• Oversee monthly financial accounting and reporting for the balance sheet and statutory cashflow, including compliance with IAS 17 and IFRS 16
• Support full-year reporting requirements, including IFRS 16 disclosures, and lead monthly balance sheet reviews to ensure timely and accurate reconciliations
• Own the weekly cash flow production, including variance analysis, and ensure integrity and accuracy of data
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, managing variances, producing accurate financial plans for High Street, and identifying areas for improvement
• Drive improvements to financial processes and systems, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with all relevant accounting standards and company policies
• Ensure strong financial controls and risk mitigation, maintaining proper procedures, and leading resolution of audit queries in collaboration with auditors
• Lead financial planning and integration for new business activities, ensuring accurate accounting, systems readiness, and informed decision-making

About you

We're looking for ambitious professionals who are focused on shaping a purposeful, long-term career - not merely pursuing their next opportunity. We value individuals who bring curiosity, strategic thinking, and a passion for innovation. At our Support Centre, you'll be part of a dynamic, future-focused organisation that champions collaboration, continuous growth, and meaningful impact. Experience required for this role will include;

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent Qualified Accountant with approximately 5 years post-qualified experience, with a strong focus on financial accounting and accounting standards
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to manage staff at all levels and resolve individual team issues
• Solid understanding of IFRS 16, IFRS, and UK GAAP, including statutory accounts and disclosure requirements
• Ability to holistically interpret and improve business dynamics, processes, and systems, with clear and aligned documentation
• Advanced data analysis skills to interpret complex financial information and support informed, data-driven business decisions
• Effective collaboration with key stakeholders across the business, including the ability to engage Board members with credibility and commercial acumen

About us

Joining TGJones means becoming part of a company that values its people as its greatest asset. We are a team that values people, invests in development, and encourages ideas. We foster an inclusive, collaborative and supportive culture where everyone is empowered to make a difference. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, TGJones offers a welcoming environment, real opportunities to grow, and the satisfaction of working for a company that genuinely cares.

Company benefits for our Support Centre colleagues include 4pm Friday finish, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, your birthday off, car allowance, private medical scheme, holiday trading scheme, annual company bonus, family friendly leave, employee discounts, free coffee Wednesdays and much more!

At TGJones, we're all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you - you're welcome here. If you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know-we're happy to help!

Other details

• Job Family HO
• Pay Type Salary

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