Head of Financial Accounting
Head of Financial Accounting

Head of Financial Accounting

Basingstoke Full-Time 64000 - 76000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial accounting, manage audits, and ensure compliance with UK GAAP.
  • Company: Join a leading company in the finance sector, known for its innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values performance, diversity, and continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualified with significant experience in financial accounting and team leadership.
  • Other info: This role offers a chance to influence key financial decisions and drive strategic initiatives.

The predicted salary is between 64000 - 76000 £ per year.

ACCA/CIMA/ACA Qualified with significant years' PQE. Proven experience in financial accounting under FRS 102/UK GAAP Standards. Prior track record of developing and leading a team of qualified accountants.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who has experience in technical accounting for multiple entities, developing and leading successful teams, and strong year-end audit involvement.

This Head of Financial Accounting role includes the following duties:

  • Reporting & Analysis
  • Lead the consolidation and preparation of annual statutory accounts, financial statements, and various regulatory submissions including statistical returns and housing sector reporting requirements.
  • Partner closely with external auditors to manage the year-end audit process, ensuring a smooth, timely sign-off and clear communication throughout.
  • Analyse the implications of emerging accounting standards and legislation, providing strategic insight to executive stakeholders to inform key decisions and operational readiness.
  • Support end-to-end improvements in reporting frameworks and internal processes through automation, efficiency initiatives, and implementation of best practices.
  • Ensure the financial system's chart of accounts remains appropriately structured to support comprehensive reporting across all legal, regulatory, and management levels.
  • Deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for each legal entity, covering income & expenditure, balance sheet, and cash flow.
  • Serve as the primary contact for statutory and regulatory financial reviews, audits, and external reporting engagements.
  • Accounting & Compliance
    • Take ownership of monthly and year-end ledger close processes, with full accountability for control adherence and accurate results.
    • Define and maintain robust accounting policies aligned to latest UK GAAP (FRS 102) and sector guidance, ensuring consistency across all legal entities.
    • Maintain strong relationships with tax, procurement, and planning teams to align financial treatment with broader compliance and efficiency goals.
    • Oversee financial integrity of the balance sheet by ensuring comprehensive reconciliations and appropriate follow-up across all entries and transactions.
    • Work closely with teams managing fixed assets to ensure completeness and accuracy of the group's asset register and related disclosures.
    • Monitor regulatory updates, proactively adjusting internal policies and practices to stay compliant and ahead of risk.
  • Leadership
    • Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership to the financial accounting function, embedding a culture of performance, ownership, and continuous improvement.
    • Align team resources to business needs, managing workloads and priorities to ensure delivery of timely, high-quality outputs.
    • Champion diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing initiatives while supporting individual development, team engagement, and mentorship across the finance function.
    • Ensure systems, policies, and processes are continuously evaluated and refined to provide reliable, efficient financial services to internal and external stakeholders.
    • Actively contribute to wider organisational priorities, translating strategic objectives into actionable finance goals.

    Head of Financial Accounting employer: In2 Consult

    Join a leading company in Basingstoke as the Head of Financial Accounting, where you will thrive in a hybrid working environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, offering robust training programmes and mentorship opportunities to help you grow your career. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, you'll be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
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    Contact Detail:

    In2 Consult Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in financial accounting. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with the latest UK GAAP standards and any recent changes in legislation that may impact financial accounting. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in developing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team through challenges or implemented improvements in processes, as this is crucial for the Head of Financial Accounting role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Research the company’s financial practices and any recent news related to their financial performance. Being knowledgeable about the company will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills can directly benefit their operations.

    We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting

    ACCA/CIMA/ACA Qualification
    Financial Accounting Expertise
    Knowledge of FRS 102 and UK GAAP
    Team Leadership and Development
    Year-End Audit Management
    Statutory Accounts Preparation
    Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
    Strong Analytical Skills
    Effective Communication Skills
    Project Management
    Process Improvement and Automation
    Financial Reporting
    Relationship Management with Auditors
    Strategic Insight and Decision-Making
    Adaptability to Regulatory Changes

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial accounting, particularly under FRS 102 and UK GAAP standards. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and your success in managing teams.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your qualifications (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) and experience align with the responsibilities of the Head of Financial Accounting role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in technical accounting and year-end audits.

    Showcase Leadership Skills: Highlight your ability to lead and develop teams. Provide examples of how you've fostered a culture of performance and continuous improvement within your previous roles.

    Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s values and recent developments in their sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.

    How to prepare for a job interview at In2 Consult

    ✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

    As a Head of Financial Accounting, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of technical accounting principles, especially under FRS 102 and UK GAAP. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex financial reporting or led year-end audits.

    ✨Highlight Leadership Skills

    This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Share instances where you've developed and led successful teams, focusing on how you fostered a culture of performance and continuous improvement. Discuss your approach to aligning team resources with business needs.

    ✨Prepare for Regulatory Discussions

    Given the importance of compliance in this position, be ready to talk about your experience with regulatory updates and how you've proactively adjusted internal policies. Highlight any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to ensure compliance.

    ✨Demonstrate Strategic Insight

    The ability to provide strategic insight to executive stakeholders is key. Prepare to discuss how you've analysed emerging accounting standards and their implications on business decisions. Use examples that showcase your analytical skills and strategic thinking.

    Head of Financial Accounting
    In2 Consult
    Location: Basingstoke
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    I
    • Head of Financial Accounting

      Basingstoke
      Full-Time
      64000 - 76000 £ / year (est.)
    • I

      In2 Consult

      50-100
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