Head of Financial Control and Partnership Accounting

Warner Scott Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a qualified accountant to manage partner financial data and lead complex financial processes within their finance department. The role involves maintaining databases, overseeing accounting for various accounts, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Ideal candidates have strong technical accounting knowledge, leadership experience, and a proven track record in a professional services environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to financial strategies in a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional services environment is required.
• Proven ability to manage complex financial processes to high standards.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and influencing multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the accuracy of partner financial data and databases.
• Manage partner capital, current, and tax retention accounts.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting processes.
• Lead the firm's direct and overhead cost accounting.
• Ensure compliance with VAT and coordinate tax submissions.

Skills

Strong technical accounting knowledge

Analytical problem-solving abilities

Process improvement

Collaborative leadership

Education

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)

Job description

Job description

You will be responsible for the accurate maintenance of partner financial data, including current and capital accounts, the firm's profit allocation model, and the partner database. In addition, you will drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls to support the firm's operational and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities :

Take ownership of all partner standing data, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the partner database and profit allocation models.

Manage partner capital, current, and tax retention accounts, ensuring accurate processing of monthly drawings and profit distributions.

Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including timely and accurate accounting for journals, accruals, prepayments, and provisions (such as professional indemnity).

Perform analytical reviews of key P&L lines to identify anomalies and ensure financial accuracy.

Collaborate with FP&A to reconcile management accounts with financial accounts.

Ensure all balance sheet and control accounts are reconciled on a monthly basis.

Lead the firm's direct and overhead cost accounting, including both operating and capital expenditure.

Manage the firm's weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting and support the Finance Director on funding and banking matters.

Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal accounting policies and procedures to strengthen financial control across the business.

Lead the annual audit process and oversee preparation of statutory accounts.

Oversee VAT compliance and coordinate with external partnership tax advisers to ensure timely submission of the partnership tax return.

Contribute to the ongoing simplification and enhancement of the firm's partner profit allocation and year-end accounting models.

The Team :

The Finance Department comprises 25 professionals across three specialist functions : Financial Control, Financial Operations, and Financial Reporting. This role reports to the Finance Director and ultimately to the Finance Partner, working collaboratively across the department and wider firm.

About You :

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).

Strong technical accounting knowledge, with experience in a professional services environment.

Proven ability to plan, manage, and deliver complex financial processes to high standards.

Deep understanding of relevant legislation, accounting standards, and best practice.

Demonstrated experience leading teams and influencing across multiple stakeholders.

Skilled in identifying process improvements and driving operational efficiency.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

A collaborative leader who inspires excellence and accountability.

Comfortable balancing competing priorities and maintaining accuracy under pressure.