Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting in Bath, Somerset

Are you the finance leader who can bring together technical accounting excellence, robust governance and global stakeholder influence? This person can be based in our Bath office on a hybrid working model. At Buro Happold, we create positive change through exceptional engineering, design and consultancy. Operating across a global network of offices, we work on some of the world's most influential and complex projects, helping clients deliver sustainable solutions that improve communities and the built environment. We are seeking an experienced and technically strong Head of Financial Reporting & Assurance to join our Global Finance team. Acting as the deputy to the Director of Financial Accounting & Reporting, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our financial governance framework, strengthening reporting standards, and driving excellence across statutory reporting, audit management and technical accounting. About The RoleAs Head of Financial Reporting & Assurance, you will lead the operational delivery of our global statutory reporting and external audit programme across more than 20 entities, partnering closely with regional finance teams, senior stakeholders and external auditors. You will ensure the highest standards of compliance, transparency and financial stewardship while helping evolve our global finance function. Leading the global statutory reporting function and coordinating audits across multiple jurisdictions. Acting as the primary day-to-day contact for external auditors and driving continuous improvement across the audit process. Providing technical accounting leadership across the organisation, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP, IFRS and evolving regulatory requirements. Developing and maintaining accounting policies, governance procedures and reporting standards. Leading assurance reviews, identifying reporting risks and providing insight to senior finance leadership. Supporting finance transformation initiatives, including automation, data analytics and AI-enabled reporting processes. Building strong relationships across Finance, Tax, Treasury, Risk and the wider business while mentoring colleagues and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. We're looking for a qualified finance professional who combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial awareness, leadership capability and a passion for continuous improvement. ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualification with at least five years' post-qualification experience. Proven experience managing external audits and working with senior stakeholders. A strong understanding of financial controls, governance frameworks and assurance practices. The ability to communicate complex accounting matters clearly and influence at senior level. Experience within professional services, engineering, consultancy or other project-based environments would be particularly advantageous. Hybrid working arrangements. Attractive salary and benefits package including, private medical insurance, life assurance and income protection.10% Car allowance. Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum (exclusive of bank holidays) and flexible holiday arrangements. Generous company pension scheme. Flexible benefits including cycle scheme, dental insurance, optical cover, travel insurance, season ticket loans, and corporate discounts. Enhanced parenthood leave policies.A strong commitment to your continuous development. A commitment to your wellbeing through a comprehensive employee assistance programme and wellbeing activities. A supportive and inclusive environment that will welcome you through social and outreach activities from the Young Employees Forum to mentoring. A place for everyoneBuro Happold values individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of the way you work and achieve balance. Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds and experiences that shape us. LI-EM1 #LI-Hybrid Contract Type Permanent Finance Finance