Job Description: Group Head Office Financial Accountant
The Role
This position sits within the Global Finance team and is responsible for Record-to-Report (R2R) operations for the Administration Services business and Group Companies. The role focuses on Group-related accounting, specifically managing Head Office
The jobholder will act as a technical accounting expert, working closely with regional R2R teams, Tax, FP&A, and external auditors. Additionally, the role provides line manager oversight and direction to the Assistant Group Financial Accountant.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Operations
... Ownership of Ledgers: Manage accounting, financial reporting, and local finance operations for relevant UK-based entities (Head Office, Group IT, and Holding companies) in accordance with IFRS and group policies.
Month-End Close: Ensure activities are performed consistently and accurate information is submitted via Cognos on a timely basis.
Reconciliations: Own the monthly balance sheet reconciliation process, investigate old balances, and present quarterly "deep dive" reviews to the Global Head of R2R and Group FD.
Intercompany: Prepare and monitor intercompany balance reporting to ensure no imbalances at month-end.
Journal Management: Prepare journals for Group payroll, depreciation, pensions, leases, borrowings, and revaluations.
Tax & Technical Accounting
Tax Compliance: Produce quarterly UK Group VAT returns and assist the Global Head of Tax with UK and Group tax computations.
Flux Analysis: Prepare monthly variance analysis for balance sheets and P&L, investigating trends and taking timely action.
Group Recharges: Manage monthly Group recharges (including pay and reward) and assist with transfer pricing calculations.
Specialized Systems: Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Lease accounting system and maintain the Fixed Asset register.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Line Management: Supervise the Assistant Group Financial Accountant, providing mentoring, coaching, and supporting balanced workloads.
Audit Liaison: Serve as the key point of contact for internal and external auditors; prepare annual statutory accounts for UK local entities.
Business Support: Assist with the transition of finance functions for new acquisitions, including system and process integration.
Required Skills & Experience
Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).
Experience: * Previous experience in a Group reporting role with extensive UK interactions (preferred).
Technical Knowledge: * Detailed working knowledge of IFRS.
Knowledge of UK VAT, Corporate Tax (CT), and PAYE is desirable.
Experience with SUN accounting systems is an advantage.
Competencies: * Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
Fluent in English with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Analytical problem-solving skills and the ability to work under tight schedules.
A change management mindset focused on process and control improvement.
Core Values
The successful candidate will demonstrate and champion the following values:
Accountability: Taking ownership and responsibility.
Agility: Learning, evolving, and adapting to change.
Care: Being compassionate and approachable.
Collaboration: Working as one united team.
Integrity: Acting with responsibility and respect.
If you are keen on this role, do apply via this link.
