At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting across the UK and Benelux, driving transformation and innovation.
- Company: Dynamic Business Services hub in Caerphilly with a focus on financial integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovation and talent development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while leading a high-performing team and driving automation.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership experience in complex finance environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About the role
We’re looking for a Head of Record to Report (R2R) to lead our financial accounting, compliance, and reporting frameworks across the UK and Benelux. Based in our Caerphilly Business Services hub, this is a high‑impact senior leadership role with responsibility for maintaining robust financial integrity, ensuring adherence to regulatory and statutory requirements, and upholding strong governance and control frameworks. This role goes beyond operational leadership – you will bring a fresh perspective, challenge ways of working, and drive continuous improvement, standardisation, and digital transformation, particularly through close partnership with our Automation and Technology teams. As part of the Business Services senior leadership team, you’ll lead and inspire a large, high‑performing function, shaping both long‑term strategy and organisational capability, while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a large R2R function (c.40 FTE), setting the strategic roadmap and contributing to Business Services leadership, governance, and long‑term planning.
- Manage the associated R2R processes across multiple geographies, ensuring strong financial control, SOX compliance, audit readiness, and balance sheet integrity.
- Drive transformation through process optimisation, standardisation, and automation, working closely with technology teams to deliver scalable solutions.
- Build strong stakeholder partnerships across UK & Benelux, fostering a high‑performance culture, managing risk, and developing future talent while deputising for the Director when required.
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong senior leadership experience in complex, multi‑layered finance environments.
- Strategic leader with a proven track record in transformation, process optimisation, and automation, bringing fresh thinking and challenging the status quo.
- Strong expertise in financial controls, compliance, and SOX, with the ability to balance governance and operational excellence.
- Strong people and stakeholder leadership skills, with experience building high‑performing teams, developing talent, and influencing across geographies and functions.
Why Join
- Play a key leadership role shaping the future of a major Business Services centre.
- Lead a high‑impact function at the heart of financial integrity and business decision‑making.
- Drive automation, transformation, and operational excellence at scale.
- Work with a diverse international stakeholder group across UK and Benelux.
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact through leadership, innovation, and talent development.
Benefits
- A competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
- 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays.
- Pension scheme, life assurance, income protection.
Head of Business Services - R2R in Caerphilly employer: DS Smith Europe
Join us at our Caerphilly Business Services hub, where we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. As the Head of R2R, you will not only lead a high-performing team but also have the opportunity to drive significant transformation and automation initiatives that shape the future of our financial operations across the UK and Benelux. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee development, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Services - R2R in Caerphilly
✨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
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like DS Smith Europe. 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 Business Services - R2R in Caerphilly
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 DS Smith Europe.
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 DS Smith Europe'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 DS Smith Europe
✨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 DS Smith Europe.
✨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 DS Smith Europe 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 DS Smith Europe 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.
