Head of UK Accounting

ACCA Careers; Abingdon; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Private healthcare and dental

Annual bonus potential

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

ACCA Careers in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Head of UK Accounting to lead accounting operations across UK entities within a growing international business. You will own all reporting, controls, and regulatory compliance, partnering with local and global stakeholders.

You will drive month-end closure, statutory filings, internal controls, and finance transformation projects while developing the accounting team and collaborating with Tax, Treasury, HR, and Operations.

Qualifications

• Qualified ACA or equivalent professional qualification with significant relevant experience.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

ERP systems

UK GAAP/IFRS knowledge

Internal controls (SOX/ICFR)

Analytical thinking

Education

ACA or equivalent professional qualification

Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Experience in multinational environment

Tools

ERP systems

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.

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.