Head of UK Accounting

Michael Page; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension contribution

Annual bonus potential

Generous holiday allowance

Job summary

Michael Page is recruiting an experienced Head of UK Accounting to lead all accounting activities across UK entities within a growing international business. The role requires strong UK GAAP/IFRS expertise, regulatory compliance, and effective partnering with local and global stakeholders.

The successful candidate will manage month-end, year-end close, and statutory filings, maintain robust internal controls, and drive finance transformation initiatives while mentoring the accounting team.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA or equivalent professional qualification with significant experience.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in multinational or complex corporate environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS reporting standards.
• Understanding of internal controls, audit processes, and SOX/ICFR frameworks.
• Experience with ERP systems and finance transformation initiatives.
• Proven leadership, including building and developing finance teams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting activities across UK entities and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee month-, quarter-, and year-end close in line with group reporting.
• Review journals, reconciliations, and local reporting deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare statutory financial statements and filings; liaise with auditors and regulators.
• Maintain strong internal controls, supporting SOX/ICFR and audit needs.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and handle complex matters.
• Partner with Tax, Treasury, HR, Procurement, and Operations.

Skills

ACA or equivalent

UK GAAP IFRS knowledge

Multinational experience

ERP systems experience

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Financial reporting expertise

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

ACA qualification

Tools

ERP software

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced finance leader to head up UK accounting operations as Head of UK Accounting for a growing international business. This role will take ownership of all accounting activities across UK entities, ensuring the delivery of accurate financial reporting, strong controls, regulatory compliance, and effective partnership with both local and global stakeholders.

Client Details

Our client is a well-established international organisation operating within a highly regulated, fast-paced environment. With a strong global footprint and a focus on innovation and operational excellence, the business offers employees the opportunity to work within a collaborative, forward-thinking culture while contributing to significant strategic and financial initiatives.

Description

The Head of UK Accounting will have duties including:

• Lead and oversee all accounting activities across UK legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes in line with group reporting requirements.
• Review and approve accounting journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and local reporting deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of statutory financial statements and associated filings.
• Manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain a robust internal control environment, supporting SOX/ICFR and audit requirements.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and act as the escalation point for complex accounting matters.
• Partner with key business functions including Tax, Treasury, HR, Procurement, and Operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, finance transformation projects, and systems enhancements.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Profile

A successful 'Head Of UK Accounting' should have:

• QualifiedACA, or equivalent professional qualification with significant relevant experience.
• Degree educated in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience within a multinational or complex corporate environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS reporting standards.
• Understanding of internal controls, audit processes, and SOX/ICFR frameworks.
• Experience working with ERP systems and finance transformation initiatives.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing finance teams.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Job Offer

• Salary of between £85,000 to £95,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous holiday allowance with additional service-related entitlement.
• Competitive pension contribution scheme.
• Private healthcare and dental cover.
• Annual bonus potential and additional employee wellbeing benefits.
• The opportunity to join a global organisation where you can influence accounting strategy, drive improvements, and develop your leadership career.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.