Head of External Reporting

Head of External Reporting

Full-Time 59576 - 70089 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead external financial reporting and group consolidation for a growing global business.
  • Company: CFC, a dynamic company in an exciting growth phase.
  • Benefits: Permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Join a culture of technical excellence and high performance.
  • Why this job: Shape a critical finance function and drive reporting excellence.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in complex, multi-entity organisations.

The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.

At CFC, we're entering an exciting phase of growth and evolution. As the business continues to scale, we're looking for an experienced Head of External Reporting to lead the development and ongoing management of our external reporting capability. This is a unique opportunity to shape and build a best-in-class reporting environment, establishing the operating model, governance framework, controls and reporting processes that underpin high-quality, accurate and compliant financial reporting.

You'll bring the technical expertise, leadership and judgement needed to create scalable reporting processes, strengthen financial governance and ensure CFC continues to meet the highest standards of external reporting. Working closely with senior finance leaders, auditors and stakeholders across the business, you'll play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, driving reporting excellence and supporting the continued growth and maturity of the Finance function.

As Head of External Reporting, you'll take ownership of CFC's external financial reporting and Group consolidation activities. You'll lead the preparation and delivery of statutory accounts and external reporting outputs, ensuring reporting is accurate, compliant and delivered to the highest professional standards.

A key focus of the role will be establishing and embedding a robust external reporting framework, including governance structures, reporting processes, controls, ownership models and review mechanisms. You'll create an effective operating model that supports timely, high-quality reporting while ensuring clear accountability and strong financial oversight throughout the process.

You'll lead the Group consolidation process across a complex, multi-entity organisation, ensuring underlying processes, controls and documentation are robust, scalable and fit for a growing global business. You'll design and implement reporting timetables, governance forums and review structures that support accurate and efficient delivery of financial information for both internal and external stakeholders.

As the technical accounting lead for external reporting, you'll own and maintain the Group Accounting Manual, ensuring accounting policies, reporting guidance and technical positions are clearly documented, consistently applied and kept up to date. You'll monitor developments in IFRS and broader accounting requirements, assessing their impact on the business and translating them into practical guidance and recommendations.

You'll also act as a key point of contact for external auditors and advisers, leading discussions on technical accounting matters, reporting requirements and consolidation activities. Working closely with colleagues across Finance and the wider business, you'll help embed strong governance, reporting disciplines and consistent accounting practices across the Group.

Alongside your technical responsibilities, you'll lead and develop the External Reporting team, fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement and high performance.

You'll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant experience leading external financial reporting and group consolidation within complex, multi-entity organisations. You'll bring direct experience from a UK listed company environment and have a proven track record of preparing Annual Report & Accounts and delivering high-quality external reporting outputs.

Comfortable operating at Senior Manager, Head of or equivalent level, you'll possess the confidence and credibility to influence senior stakeholders and provide expert guidance on complex technical accounting matters. You’ll have a deep understanding of IFRS and external reporting requirements, alongside advanced technical accounting and consolidation expertise. Experience managing complex group structures, intercompany accounting and consolidation processes will be essential, as will the ability to interpret complex accounting guidance and translate it into practical business solutions.

Beyond your technical capabilities, you'll be a strong people leader with a track record of building and developing high‑performing teams. You'll be an excellent communicator who can engage effectively with auditors, advisers and senior stakeholders, balancing technical rigour with the pace and agility required in a fast‑growing business.

Most importantly, you'll be excited by the opportunity to shape a critical finance function, establish best practice and play a key role in supporting CFC's continued growth and ambitions.

Head of External Reporting employer: CFC

CFC is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, including support for CII qualifications, ensuring personal and professional growth. With a commitment to exceptional service and a focus on employee well-being, CFC provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.

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Contact Details:

CFC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of External Reporting

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

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Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like CFC. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Reporting

External Financial Reporting
Group Consolidation
Statutory Accounts Preparation
Governance Framework Development
Financial Oversight
IFRS Knowledge
Technical Accounting Expertise

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to CFC.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on CFC's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at CFC

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with CFC.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at CFC will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former CFC employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.