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- Tasks: Lead and motivate a dynamic accounting team while ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Company: Fast-growing organisation based in Birmingham with a focus on inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £90,000 - £110,000 and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Drive transformation initiatives and make a real impact in a senior leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior leadership experience in a complex environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Accounting to lead accounting operations across the UK & Ireland within a complex, fast-growing organisation based in Birmingham, West Midlands. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong governance, and high-performing accounting operations, while also driving continuous improvement and transformation initiatives.
As the Head of Accounting you will lead a sizeable accounting team, work closely with regional and global finance stakeholders, and act as a key point of contact for auditors, advisors, and external authorities.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, develop and motivate a team of accounting professionals and contractors.
- Ensure timely and accurate periodic financial reporting under US GAAP and local statutory requirements (UK GAAP).
- Oversee preparation of annual statutory financial statements.
- Present balance sheet movements and insights to senior management.
- Act as primary contact for external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory authorities.
- Review and maintain general ledger accounts, including provisions and accruals.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies and external accounting standards.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, finance business partners, local entities) to support effective financial processes.
- Identify, initiate, and lead process improvements and finance transformation initiatives.
- Support operational excellence through delivery against agreed KPIs, SLAs, and stakeholder expectations.
You are a detail-oriented finance leader who enjoys being close to the detail while also leading at a strategic level. You thrive in dynamic environments and are comfortable managing complexity, change, and multiple stakeholders. You are able to work at the Birmingham head office on a hybrid basis.
Essential Requirements:- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with a track record in a senior leadership position within a large, complex international environment.
- Senior level operational finance or shared / managed services experience is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of UK and US GAAP is preferred, as is demonstrable experience of continuous improvement of people, processes and systems.
- A background in audit, M&A and private equity would be an advantage, while a passion for driving high performance teams at pace is essential.
£90,000 - £110,000 benefits Birmingham based role (hybrid)
At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.
Head of Accounting in Birmingham employer: Gleeson Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gleeson Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A personal introduction can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent financial performance and any news related to their accounting practices. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven process improvements in past roles. We want to see that you can lead a sizeable accounting team effectively!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Accounting role. Highlight your experience with financial reporting, team leadership, and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership position. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in accounting operations and led teams to success.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Accounting, you'll be leading a sizeable team. Make sure to highlight your leadership style and any successful initiatives you've implemented in previous roles. We love seeing how you motivate and develop your team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gleeson Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Accounting, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting. Brush up on US GAAP and UK GAAP standards, and be ready to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've handled complex financial situations or audits.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a sizeable team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you’ve motivated your team or driven performance improvements. Highlight your experience in developing talent and fostering a high-performance culture.
✨Emphasise Process Improvement
Continuous improvement is key in this position. Come armed with examples of successful process transformations you've led. Discuss the methodologies you used and the impact they had on efficiency and accuracy within your accounting operations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be working closely with various stakeholders, so it’s crucial to show your communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you’ve partnered with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you’ve navigated complex stakeholder relationships and delivered results.