Head of Accounting

Head Of Accounting:Overview: My client are seeking an experienced finance leader to oversee the operational finance function within a complex, multi-entity organisation. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of transactional finance, treasury activities, financial controls, and month-end reporting while leading a sizeable finance team through continuous improvement and change initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with proven leadership ability, ensuring finance processes remain robust, efficient, and scalable to support the wider business. Key Responsibilities Financial Governance & Reporting

• Ensure robust financial controls, reconciliations and review procedures are maintained across all finance operations.
• Oversee month-end close activities and ensure accurate financial information is delivered to reporting teams within agreed timescales.
• Maintain strong knowledge of relevant accounting standards and ensure compliance in areas such as fixed assets, capital expenditure and revenue accounting.
• Monitor balance sheet integrity through regular review of key accounts and supporting schedules.
• Support both internal and external audit processes, coordinating information requests and implementing recommendations where appropriate.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor and develop a broad finance function, creating a culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Provide direction and support to senior finance managers, ensuring priorities are aligned and objectives are achieved.
• Drive employee development, succession planning and performance management across the wider team.
• Promote best practice and encourage a high-performing environment focused on service excellence and operational efficiency.

Finance Operations

• Oversee all day-to-day transactional finance activities, ensuring efficient delivery across accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management processes.
• Establish performance measures and service standards for core finance activities, regularly reviewing delivery against agreed targets.
• Ensure accurate bookkeeping and management accounting processes are maintained through effective review and oversight.
• Identify process improvements that enhance controls, reduce risk and improve operational effectiveness.

Treasury & Cash Management

• Maintain oversight of treasury operations, ensuring sufficient liquidity is available to support business requirements.
• Monitor banking arrangements and maintain effective relationships with financial institutions and key external partners.
• Ensure appropriate controls and authorisation procedures are in place for payment processing and banking activities.
• Review treasury reporting and establish resilience within the function through effective documentation and cross-training.

Change & Process Improvement

• Support wider finance transformation initiatives and encourage the adoption of new systems, technology and automation opportunities.
• Drive process enhancement projects to improve accuracy, efficiency and scalability across finance operations.
• Work collaboratively with senior finance leadership to strengthen finance capabilities and improve service delivery.

Candidate Profile Essential Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification experience within operational finance, financial control or shared services environments.
• Demonstrable experience managing large finance teams, including both qualified finance professionals and transactional staff.
• Strong background in financial controls, management accounting, treasury oversight and audit coordination.
• Experience operating within a complex, fast-paced organisation with multiple stakeholders.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of relevant reporting standards.
• Outstanding leadership skills with the ability to motivate, influence and develop teams.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Solutions-focused with a practical and hands-on approach to problem solving.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality output.
• Change-oriented mindset with a passion for process improvement and operational excellence.
• Collaborative team player who can build strong relationships across both finance and the wider business.

Personal Qualities

• Credible and approachable leader.
• Commercially aware and outcome focused.
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational involvement.
• Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working within a changing environment.
• Committed to driving a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.