Financial Accounting Manager, Financial Reporting Lead,ARA in London

Location: London
Up to £580/day Inside IR35
100% REMOTE

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Financial Accounting Manager to play a pivotal leadership role within our Financial Accounting team. This team is responsible for three core functions:

• delivering audited financial statements;
• facilitating the external audit; and
• providing high‑quality technical accounting advice across the organisation.

As Financial Accounting Manager, you will provide strong leadership to the existing team and act as a trusted technical expert across finance and the wider business. You will work closely with senior stakeholders in NE and across business areas, as well as our external auditors. You will build strong professional relationships, oversee the development and management of our accounts and audit timetable, and ensure rigorous preparation of audit evidence through to the successful laying of the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA). You will also collaborate with ALB‑facing accounts teams to support the development of a group‑wide financial accounting Centre of Expertise, enabling consistent, high‑quality financial reporting and technical advice.

Key Responsibilities

The postholder will have a broad and influential portfolio of work, including but not limited to:

• Technical & Advisory
  • Provide authoritative technical accounting advice underpinned by deep knowledge of IFRS and HMT guidance, including the Government Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), Consolidated Budgeting Guidance (CBG) and Managing Public Money (MPM).
  • Review and quality‑assure accounting papers and technical submissions.
• Financial Statements & Ledger Management
  • Lead team to review and prepare for year‑end closure, including reconciliations and balance sheet reviews.
  • Prepare the 2025-26 ledgers for accounts production, including balance sheet assurance, reconciliations, and interim accounts.
  • Oversee adoption of new accounting standards from 1 April 2026, including IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and the removal of desktop revaluations for non‑current assets.
  • Design and deliver year‑end mobilisation activities, including training, year‑end guidance, and disclosure packs.
• Timetable, Audit & Assurance
  • Develop and maintain accounts and audit timetables for 2025-26 and beyond, supporting the organisation's ambition to accelerate year‑end.
  • Manage the overall accounts production process in line with group and parliamentary requirements.
  • Build strong working relationships with external auditors and lead the provision of high‑quality audit evidence.
  • Identify, monitor and manage risks and issues associated with delivering the Annual Report and Accounts.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Work collaboratively with the existing accounts team and wider finance colleagues.
  • Play a key role in building and sustaining a financial accounting Centre of Expertise across the group.
  • Lead, motivate and develop a geographically dispersed team, promoting an inclusive and high‑performance culture.

About You - Skills & Experience

You will be a confident technical expert and collaborative leader with the ability to influence at senior levels. You bring:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (CCAB, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with a track record of delivering to tight deadlines in a finance environment.
• Creative and strategic problem‑solving capabilities with the ability to manage risk effectively.
• Ability to build strong stakeholder relationships and use networks to drive delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to explain complex financial issues clearly to non‑specialists.
• Credible and authentic leadership skills, with the ability to inspire teams and support an inclusive culture.
• Experience producing financial statements in a large public sector or complex organisation.
• Experience working with external auditors and managing audit requirements for annual reports and accounts.
• Experience delivering projects to demanding timescales.
• Proven ability to prepare and review technical accounting papers, particularly relating to IFRS 9, IFRS 15, IFRS 17, IAS 16, IAS 36, IAS 37 and IAS 38.
• Experience managing dispersed teams.
• Experience working with Oracle/SOP or similar financial systems.