Head of Accounting & Reporting - Handpicked Recruitment. : Job Details

Location: Woking

Contract type: fixed term for 6 months

Title: Head of Accounting & Reporting

We are recruiting a Head of Accounting & Reporting to join our client's Finance team on a 6-month fixed-term contract. This is a senior role within the finance function, reporting directly to the Finance Director, with responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of all financial accounting and reporting.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and review reporting to shareholders, including submission of monthly accounts, consolidation, and relevant analysis
• Oversee other monthly reporting required by external stakeholders (e.g. banks, pension schemes, credit insurers)
• Oversight and review of preparation of UK statutory accounts and European statutory accounting
• Support balance sheet and cashflow forecasting, with ownership of consolidated balance sheet and cashflow for the Group
• Manage the external audit process, including auditor relationships, audit-specific requests, and technical accounting matters
• Manage financial aspects of internal audit reviews and findings
• Lead on sustainability and other ESG reporting
• Manage the Financial Accounting & Reporting team (3 direct reports), finance systems, and financial compliance manager
• Work as part of the Finance senior management team, collaborating with other leaders across the business
• Contribute to the development and optimisation of accounting and reporting IT systems
• Ensure compliance with statutory and governance reporting (e.g. payment practices, statistical reporting)
• Drive transformation within the finance function, improving processes and controls
• Ensure proper application of accounting policies, proposing corrections and remediations where required
• Act as the key technical accounting expert and advisor to stakeholders across the business

Key skills & experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with strong technical grounding
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, UK GAAP, and their practical application
• Experience managing audits and working with external auditors
• Attention to detail with ability to resolve discrepancies quickly
• Proven leadership experience in managing and developing teams
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency in finance systems (preferred but not essential)
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and able to manage complexity under pressure
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Collaborative approach with stakeholders at all levels