At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and reporting across the UK and Benelux, driving transformation and innovation.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture focused on sustainability and positive change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of business services and make a lasting impact through leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership experience in complex finance environments.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ 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
- Employee assistance programme and digital GP access
- Cycle to work scheme and discounts on shopping, travel and more
Location: Caerphilly
About us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!
Fair recruitment at DS Smith
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.
Head of Business Services in Caerphilly employer: DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
At DS Smith, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in our Caerphilly Business Services hub where innovation and continuous improvement are at the forefront. As the Head of Business Services, you will lead a high-performing team while enjoying a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a commitment to employee development through diverse growth opportunities. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a culture that values diversity, collaboration, and sustainability.
Contact Details:
DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Services in Caerphilly
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and business services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to be part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, focus on examples where you've led teams or driven transformation. Highlight your ability to challenge the status quo and implement innovative solutions, as this is key for a role like Head of Business Services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at DS Smith and contributing to our mission of sustainable packaging solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Services in Caerphilly
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of R2R role. Highlight your leadership experience and any transformation projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring fresh thinking to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This helps us see the value you can bring to our organisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our goals. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about joining us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS SMITH PACKAGING LIMITED
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Record to Report, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and compliance standards relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained financial integrity and ensured SOX compliance in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a culture of accountability and innovation. Think about specific instances where you’ve influenced stakeholders across different geographies.
✨Emphasise Transformation Experience
Highlight your experience with process optimisation and automation. Be prepared to discuss how you've driven transformation in past roles, particularly through collaboration with technology teams. Share any successful projects that showcase your ability to challenge the status quo.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in complex finance environments and how you navigated them. This will show your capability to lead and inspire in a high-impact role.
