Head of Group Accounting & Reporting

Reach plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading news publisher is seeking a qualified accountant to lead their Group Accounting & Reporting team. This role blends remote work with occasional in-person attendance at critical milestones. Your mission will involve overseeing financial consolidation, managing annual reports, and guiding audit processes. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical skills and a background in large corporate environments. The company offers robust perks such as 25 days' holiday, flexible policies, and a healthcare cash plan.

Benefits

25 days' holiday plus bank holidays

Extra paid volunteer day

Bonus scheme

Company pension match

Healthcare cash plan

Car lease scheme

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• You need to be a qualified accountant with technical expertise.
• Experience in large, complex companies is crucial.
• A working knowledge of tax in a corporate setting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group Accounting & Reporting team.
• Own month-end close and Group consolidation.
• Produce Annual Report & Accounts statements.
• Manage external audit process and timelines.
• Oversee completion of subsidiary statutory accounts.

Skills

Technical accounting

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification

Tools

Navision

Job description

Company Description

Hello, we're Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that's on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

About this role

Please note this role is a 12 month FTC Maternity Cover

This role is mostly Remote however you will be required to attend our Canary Wharf Hub during critical financial milestones (year-end and half-year results) and for occasional in-person team sessions, typically a couple of times per month.

Step in to lead our Group Accounting & Reporting team to deliver clear, timely financial insight that informs decisions and keeps us fully compliant.

You'll report to the Director of Finance and lead three talented specialists (Group Reporting Manager, Group Accounting Manager and Group Accounting Analyst). Your remit covers Group consolidation and reporting across the business.

What you'll do

• Own the month-end close and Group consolidation, producing concise packs across P&L, balance sheet, working capital, cash flow and capex.
• Take the lead on the Annual Report & Accounts financial statements, notes and all supporting schedules and be our go-to for technical accounting.
• Run a smooth external audit process and support the Director of Finance with well-crafted Audit Committee papers.
• Set clear reporting instructions and timetables, coordinating with finance and wider teams so submissions land on time.
• Oversee completion of all subsidiary statutory accounts and keep our accounting policies fully aligned to IFRS.
• Maintain strong controls and reconciliations over key accounts, including intercompany balances.
• Partner with our Finance Systems Manager to get the best from the Navision consolidation system and continuously improve how we report.
• Help simplify the corporate structure, including winding up dormant entities where appropriate.
• Work closely with the Head of Financial Compliance & Controls to strengthen processes and the overall control environment.

What you'll need to succeed

• You're a technically strong, qualified accountant who enjoys turning numbers into clear, actionable insight.
• Natural affinity with data and detail, with a high level of accuracy in everything you produce.
• Confident managing external relationships especially with external auditors and representing Group Finance professionally.
• Passionate about continuous improvement, with a strong grasp of how finance supports the wider business.
• Advanced reporting skills across consolidated P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and supporting schedules.
• A collaborative leader and clear communicator who builds strong relationships across finance and the business.
• Strong problem-solver who makes well-judged, evidence-based decisions.
• Confident presenter, able to explain complex, technical topics in a simple, engaging way.
• Calm under pressure with a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
• Significant experience in large companies (ideally complex, multi-entity group environments).
• Experience of tax in a large corporate environment.
• Working knowledge of Navision (or similar consolidation/ERP systems).

How we'll look after you

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day - an extra day's paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies - we're proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn't have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won't make a difference to your application.
• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
• Interest‑free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.