Head of Accounting Operations Bristol, UK

Graphcore is developing the next generation of AI compute technology. As AI workloads continue to grow in scale and complexity, we are building the hardware and software systems required to power the future of artificial intelligence. As we enter the next phase of growth, we are looking for an experienced Head of Accounting Operations to lead our global accounting operations function and help ensure our finance organisation scales effectively alongside the business.

The Role

Reporting to the VP Finance, the Head of Accounting Operations will lead Graphcore's Accounting Operations, Accounts Payable and Payroll functions, ensuring the business has robust, scalable, and well-controlled accounting processes capable of supporting rapid growth. The role will be responsible for the operational execution of the month-end close process, the preparation of the Group's monthly management accounts, balance sheet integrity, transaction processing, and accounting operations across the Group. As Graphcore expands its global footprint and scales manufacturing and delivery of AI systems, this role will play a key part in developing new accounting processes and strengthening financial controls. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who combines strong accounting operations expertise with a practical, delivery-focused mindset. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating both strategically and in the detail, leading teams whilst remaining close enough to the operation to drive change and solve problems.

What You'll Be Doing

• Accounting Operations & Close: Lead the Accounting Operations team responsible for transaction processing, journal postings, accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, and month-end close execution. Own the operational delivery of the monthly and quarterly close processes, ensuring accurate and timely accounting information is available to support management, shareholder, and statutory reporting requirements. Prepare and deliver the Group's monthly management accounts, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adherence to agreed reporting timetables. Ensure accounting records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with Group accounting policies. Own the integrity of the Group balance sheet and ensure key reconciliations are completed, reviewed, and resolved on a timely basis. Support and, where required, directly perform accounting activities in more complex or evolving areas. Partner closely with the Group Reporting team to ensure efficient and effective close processes across the Group.
• Accounts Payable & Payroll: Lead the Accounts Payable and Payroll teams, ensuring efficient, accurate, and scalable service delivery. Drive the continued development of Procure-to-Pay processes to support increasing business scale and complexity. Improve supplier onboarding, invoice processing, approval workflows, and payment processes. Identify opportunities for automation and process simplification across AP and Payroll activities. Ensure payroll operations remain accurate, compliant, and scalable across all jurisdictions.
• Scaling Accounting Operations: Continuously assess and improve accounting processes, systems, and ways of working to support business growth. Develop scalable operating models capable of supporting increased transaction volumes, geographic expansion, and organisational complexity. Build accounting processes that are efficient, repeatable, and capable of supporting a rapidly growing business. Work closely with the Business Transformation team to support the implementation of process and system improvements where appropriate. Act as the finance business owner for the Group ERP and related finance systems, ensuring they continue to support scalable, efficient, and well-controlled accounting processes.
• Inventory & Capital Expenditure Processes: Develop and implement accounting processes to support inventory accounting as Graphcore scales manufacturing and delivery activities. Establish robust capital expenditure accounting, verification, and tracking processes. Ensure new processes are practical, scalable, and aligned with operational requirements. Partner with operational teams and finance colleagues to ensure accounting processes accurately reflect business activities. Design, implement, and continuously improve financial controls across accounting operations. Strengthen governance around journal processing, reconciliations, AP, payroll, and close activities. Ensure accounting processes are well documented, consistently applied, and audit ready. Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the function.
• Global Accounting Operations: Oversee outsourced accounting providers supporting international entities. Ensure timely and accurate accounting submissions from all entities across the Group. Establish clear service expectations and performance standards for external providers. Act as the primary escalation point for operational accounting issues across the Group.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead, develop, and mentor teams across Accounting Operations, Accounts Payable, and Payroll. Build a high-performing and scalable organisation capable of supporting Graphcore's continued growth. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence. Develop future leaders and strengthen capability across the accounting operations function.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: Significant experience in Accounting Operations, Financial Operations, Financial Control, or similar finance leadership roles. Proven track record of leading and scaling accounting functions within a high-growth or evolving organisation. Leading month-end close processes to tight deadlines and managing balance sheet integrity. Leading Accounts Payable, Payroll, and/or Accounting Operations teams. Working within international, multi-entity organisations. Managing outsourced accounting providers is highly desirable. Exposure to inventory accounting, manufacturing environments, or capital-intensive businesses is highly desirable.
• Qualifications & Technical Skills: Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience. Strong understanding of IFRS. Strong understanding of month-end close processes, balance sheet reconciliations, and accounting operations. Experience operating ERP systems and driving process improvements within finance functions. Strong understanding of financial controls and accounting governance.
• Leadership & Mindset: Hands-on leader who is comfortable and willing to operate in the detail when required. Strong operator with the ability to scale teams, processes, and systems. Pragmatic, execution-focused, and solutions-oriented. Strong organisational and prioritisation skills. Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders across finance and the wider business. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.