Head of Accounting - Finance Operations in Milton Keynes

We are looking for someone with a growth mindset, who wants to make a difference and contribute to the performance of a growing company. This role provides leadership and guidance to the Financial Accounts team for Athlon UK and ensures the delivery of financial data for legislative requirements within the required timelines.

As part of this role, you will have full focus on:

• Managing the balance sheet reconciliation process, using OPI’s to ensure they are cleared effectively and the organisation has no financial exposure accruing from open uncleared items.
• Overseeing and approving the Internal Controls (ICS) associated with the Financial Statements, providing assurance that adequate controls are in place to manage the accounting risks of the business.
• Staff development and performance management; including monitoring and promoting the training and development needs for staff, providing ideas to resolve problems and resource-related issues.
• Ensuring all teams work efficiently and effectively together to achieve departmental aims and objectives.
• Managing the external audit process; ensuring that all data is provided timely, ensuring team members are capable of explaining their areas of responsibility and that the auditors are able to meet the requirements set by DAG.
• Representing the business in the audit meetings alongside the CFO.
• Supporting internal audits conducted by group.
• Producing monthly and annual financial statements, providing segmented reporting where required on brands, customers and more.
• Ensuring prompt delivery of reporting to Athlon International, managing the preparation and team delivery of the financial accounting data and backing schedules for the HFM and ultimately the MIF reporting system.
• Reviewing its content for technical presentation, signing off financial statements.
• Responsibility for the management of the Accounts Payable and Banking functions, ensuring payments are made and received in line with procedures and the four-eye principle is applied consistently and without fail.
• Managing provisions against the risks of the business in line with IFRS requirements, aligning with Risk Operations team to understand specific provisions and trend movements.
• Ensuring that risk cost expectations are reflected in the financial forecasts.
• Responsibility for the management of the Accounts Receivable and Collections functions, ensuring payments are made and received in line with procedures timely with aged debt monitoring and tracking.
• Supporting the preparation of Athlon International Statutory Accounts meeting deadlines and standards required to meet regulatory requirements.
• Responsibility of Data Steward for the F&C Function responsible for data management and quality of the data used in line with Mercedes-Benz policy and legal legislation.
• Ensuring completion of statutory reporting, including submission of quarterly consolidated VAT return, annual corporation tax return and Internal Control files.

What can you bring with you as a Head of Accounting? Above all, your proactive attitude, willingness to take ownership and resolve challenges to a satisfactory conclusion within pre-determined timeframes. You will also have excellent attention to detail, highly analytical and ability to investigate. In addition, the ideal candidate will have:

• Five years qualified financial management experience (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), ideally within the finance industry.
• Comprehensive VAT and tax knowledge as liable for detail behind the submissions to HMRC.
• Audit and statutory accounting experience with strong knowledge on accounting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP).
• Ability to plan and prioritise team activities whilst maintaining accuracy and adhering to strict deadlines.
• Ability to communicate and present effectively and diplomatically with senior management at both the company and group level.
• Proven staff management and development skills.
• Proficient in Excel and experience in using accounting systems.

Athlon is always on the move, just like you. To grow in our rapidly changing world, we are constantly looking at how you can get the best out of yourself every day. Creating an optimal workplace that suits you is an important part of this. In addition to building an (international) career, as Head of Accounting, based on 37.5 hours per week, you can count on:

• Competitive salary.
• Potential bonus up to 10% of your annual salary.
• Access to LPS and CCS car scheme.
• Company Car Scheme (NELS) allowing 2 further cars after successful probation period.
• 8% Pension scheme (employee 4% + employer 4%).
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service.
• Additional annual leave purchase (maximum 30 days total annual entitlement).
• Hybrid working policy.
• ‘Bring in a Friend’ Referral Scheme worth £1k.
• Reward & Recognition Awards.
• Flexible ‘benefits bank’ allowance to spend on a range of benefits including gym membership, dental insurance, cycle to work and many more.
• Private Medical Insurance and Virtual GP.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Flu vaccinations.
• Nudge – a free financial wellbeing platform.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• OpenUP Wellbeing for Mental Health.
• Length of Service Loyalty Awards.
• A modern and relaxed working environment in a brand new furnished office that is fully adapted to hybrid working.
• Regular company events, often combined with a fun-filled activity.
• Perks at Work (you can save a lot of money thanks to nice discounts on fashion, electronics, days out and more).
• Costco Membership paid for the first year.
• Social involvement is important to us, therefore, you can spend one day volunteering for a registered charity and receive up to £250 as part of our Matched Giving Scheme.