Head Of Financial Accounting & Reporting

Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting

Competitive package & benefits including private medical.

Due to internal promotion, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join our team as Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting. Reporting into the Finance Director of Compliance and Control managing and developing the Financial Accounting reporting team in the delivery robust, pro-active financial information to the centralised Group function.

As Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting you will manage the external audit process and engagement with the Audit Partner and their team to ensure sign off interim, year end and statutory audits. Completing the statutory accounts in accordance with international accounting standards in addition to timely filing and maintaining the integrity of the balance sheet. 

The Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting will be responsible for:

• Comprehensive accountability for monthly balance sheet reconciliations ensuring that all reconciliations are fully reconciled, documented, evidenced, and approved.
• Governance of central risks and control over central balance sheet including identification and follow up on high and inherent risk areas and detailed balance sheet reviews.
• Providing solutions and positioning papers for technical accounting scenarios for commercial finance team and ensuring accounting entries comply with Group Accounting Manual.
• Lead for the month-end close process, ensuring appropriate plans are in place, all deadlines are met, and activities are coordinated with senior finance representatives including the consolidation and upload of approved month-end accounts into the group reporting software (HFM).
• Provide support for the forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning process around central costs, balance sheet and cash flow accounting.
• Responsibility for Fixed Asset function including reporting, processing, ensuring compliance with Group approvals and Accounting Manual and capex spend monitoring.
• Lease Accounting under IFR16 and reporting to Group.
• Liaising with UK tax team on year end accounting for tax, PAYE Settlement Agreement and VAT returns to ensure compliance with relevant HMRC legislation.
• Accountability for delivery of statutory reporting for >100 entities, ensuring they are prepared, reviewed & approved within agreed timescales.
• Attend formal business performance reviews with Executives & senior stakeholders where required.
• Support stakeholder communication & employee engagement across F&A.

The successful Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting will:

• Be a Qualified Finance professional with a blend of practice and industry experience with “Big 4” background.
• Be experienced in interpreting IFRS and implementing new standards.
• Have demonstrable experience of working within a shared services or large Finance organisation.
• Be highly motivated, energetic, and ambitious to progress.
• Possess strong people management skills with an ability to develop team members.
• Be able communicate oral and written information logically in a format suitable for senior management and influence senior stakeholders.
• Have Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Be able to analyse and evaluate information.
• Hold high numeric and analytical skills.
• Have demonstrable experience of process improvement with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to identify and implement efficiencies with technological enhancements.

About Us

As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.

Job Reference: com/1303/119400/52629111/SU

Compass Group UK&I wants everyone in our business to feel able to be themselves at work and to have an equal opportunity to progress their career. We want to create a culture where we respect and embrace everyone's talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities. Where our colleagues feel valued, can reach their full potential, and thrive - Diversity is Our Strength!