At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead accounting operations and manage a dynamic finance team in a high-stakes environment.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence organisation in Oxford with a strong focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Diverse workplace that values equality and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a highly regulated industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA or ACCA qualified with experience in SAP and financial controls.
Salary £75,000-£85,000 + comprehensive benefits
Aerospace & Defence
Oxford
Full time
Permanent
I am recruiting a Head of Accounting on behalf of a leading aerospace and defence organisation based in Oxford. This is a senior, hands-on finance leadership role with responsibility for end-to-end accounting operations, statutory and management reporting, financial controls, audit delivery and a team of four. The organisation delivers specialist engineering, maintenance and technical support across complex civil and military aviation environments. The successful candidate will join a highly regulated international business and work closely with Group Finance, operational leaders, auditors and external advisers.
You will need to be a fully qualified ACA or ACCA accountant with detailed SAP and FRS 102 knowledge. This role would suit a credible finance leader who combines strong technical accounting capability with a practical, positive and improvement-focused approach.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead end-to-end accounting operations and manage, support and develop the four-person accounting team.
- Prepare accurate monthly accounts, management reports and balance-sheet reconciliations, maintaining robust month-end routines.
- Own statutory accounts, UK GAAP, FRS 102 and IFRS compliance, audit preparation and liaison with external auditors.
- Oversee tax packs, VAT, statutory returns, Accounts Receivable, cash collection, Accounts Payable, payments and outsourced payroll reporting.
- Strengthen financial controls, policies, systems and procedures while supporting treasury, banking, customs, import VAT and Group reporting.
- Professional accountancy qualification: ACA or ACCA.
- Detailed working knowledge of SAP and FRS 102.
- Strong experience of statutory accounts, financial close, reconciliations, audit, tax and financial controls.
- Proven ability to lead and develop a finance or accounting team.
- Current UK right to work and ability to complete BPSS checks and obtain SC clearance; applicants will generally need five years' UK residency.
- Export-control requirements also apply.
- Experience within aerospace, defence, engineering, manufacturing or another highly regulated environment.
- Knowledge of IFRS and international or Group reporting requirements.
- French or German language capability.
- Experience improving financial policies, systems, processes and procedures.
- Competitive salary, discretionary Group bonus and share incentive plans.
- Private medical insurance and pension contribution of up to 8% when you contribute 6%.
- Increasing annual leave, employee discounts, wellbeing support and cycle, car and technology purchase schemes.
This company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. Applications are welcomed irrespective of background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available.
Interested? Please submit your CV to Chrissie Rehman at DCS Recruitment via the link provided. Alternatively, email (url removed).
DCS Recruitment is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to Engineering, Manufacturing and High Technology sectors.
INDTECH
DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality.
Head of Accounting employer: DCS Recruitment Limited
As a leading specialist engineering organisation in East Hampshire, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. With a strong focus on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in the maritime, energy, and defence sectors. Join us to be part of a team that values creativity and continuous improvement, while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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✨Get Certified
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting
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 DCS Recruitment Limited.
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 DCS Recruitment Limited'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 DCS Recruitment Limited
✨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 DCS Recruitment Limited.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former DCS Recruitment Limited 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.