Head of Financial Reporting

Michael Page (UK); Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading retail brand as the Head of Financial Reporting, where you will oversee group financial reporting and compliance. This pivotal role involves managing audits, consolidating financial statements, and collaborating with senior leadership. Enjoy a competitive salary, performance-linked bonuses, and a hybrid working model in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Performance-Linked Bonus

Car Allowance

Annual Leave & Lifestyle Perks

Pension & Benefits

Career Development

Inclusive Culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years post-qualification experience in financial reporting.
• Experience with IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Big 4 or audit experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of consolidated financial statements.
• Manage the full audit process across the group.
• Prepare reports for strategic decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Technical Expertise

Commercial Awareness

Education

ACA or ACCA qualified

Job description

About Our Client

TGJones is the new identity for WHSmith's high street retail business, following its recent acquisition from a leading private equity investor. With a rich heritage as one of the UK's most recognisable retail brands, the business is embarking on an exciting new chapter—backed by investment, a focused growth strategy, and a commitment to revitalising the high street offering. TGJones combines the stability of an established brand with the energy of a transformation-led environment, providing an ideal platform for commercially minded professionals to make a significant impact.

Job Description

As Head of Financial Reporting, you will own all aspects of group financial reporting and play a key role in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial information. You will act as a senior contact for external stakeholders such as auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, while collaborating closely with the CFO, CEO, and other senior leaders internally.

Your core responsibilities will include:

1. Group Consolidation & Statutory Reporting: Lead the preparation of consolidated financial statements for TGJones and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with IFRS and UK statutory requirements. Oversee the year-end process and manage all technical aspects of group consolidation, including dual reporting under IFRS 16 and IAS 17.
2. External Audit Management: Manage the full audit process across the group, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of audited accounts and addressing auditor queries effectively.
3. Technical Accounting Leadership: Provide guidance on technical accounting issues, maintain and update the group's accounting policy manual, and implement new standards as needed.
4. Board & Senior Stakeholder Reporting: Prepare reports, financial summaries, and risk analyses to inform strategic decision-making at the highest level.
5. Cash Flow & Treasury Oversight: Oversee daily cash flow reporting, support lender relationships, and ensure compliance with debt covenants.
6. Tax Oversight (Light Touch): Liaise with external tax advisors on compliance and planning, including corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE.
7. Banking Relationships: Support the CFO in managing banking relationships, treasury policies, and risk mitigation.
8. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with departments to ensure financial reporting supports operational and strategic needs.

The Successful Applicant

We seek a confident, technically proficient finance professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. You should be a qualified accountant with experience in external reporting and group consolidation, capable of operating credibly at a senior level.

You will bring:

1. Professional Qualifications & Experience: ACA or ACCA qualified, with 5+ years post-qualification experience in financial reporting or a related technical role. Big 4 or audit experience is desirable.
2. Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of IFRS, UK GAAP, and experience with consolidated financial statements. Familiarity with IFRS 16 and cash flow reporting is advantageous.
3. Leadership & Ownership: Proven ability to lead complex reporting processes, manage audits, and prioritize effectively.
4. Communication & Stakeholder Management: Confident communicator capable of building relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
5. Commercial Awareness: Understanding of business performance and ability to support board-level reporting.
6. Collaborative Approach: Team player who supports and guides others, fostering a positive team culture.
7. Industry Experience (Desirable): Experience in retail, FMCG, or multi-entity businesses, or exposure to private equity environments.
8. Adaptability & Drive: Energetic, resilient, and problem-solving mindset to contribute to a transformative business.

What's on Offer

This is a unique opportunity to join a renowned retail brand at a pivotal moment. You will be part of a senior finance team influencing the company's future, with strong leadership support and visibility at the board level.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

1. Competitive Salary: A highly competitive base salary reflecting the role's seniority and impact.
2. Performance-Linked Bonus: A generous bonus scheme tied to personal and company performance.
3. Car Allowance: Additional allowance to complement your package.
4. Hybrid Working: Flexible model with three days per week in the Swindon office.
5. Annual Leave & Lifestyle Perks: 25 days' leave plus your birthday off, with holiday trading options.
6. Pension & Benefits: Company pension scheme and various benefits supporting wellbeing.
7. Career Development: Opportunities to grow within a high-growth, change-driven environment.
8. Inclusive Culture: Supportive, diverse workplace valuing individuality and inclusion.