Head of External Reporting

Head of External Reporting

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Hays Accountancy and Finance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage relationships with auditors and stakeholders.
  • Company: Join a £400m turnover High Street giant on an exciting growth journey.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, 25 days holiday plus birthday off, and more perks.
  • Other info: Ongoing support and training from day one to help you thrive.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance in a dynamic retail environment with ample career development.
  • Qualifications: Qualified ACA/ACCA accountant with 5+ years in strategic finance roles.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Swindon

My client, a 400m turnover High Street giant, is entering an exciting new chapter, filled with opportunity and growth. They have a number of positions allowing you to explore new pathways, broaden your expertise and play a key part in shaping the future of the business.

This role has senior visibility, being a key interface with external stakeholders, such as the Auditors, day-to-day Banking relationships and Tax advisors, in addition to exposure to senior internal stakeholders such as the Company Secretary, CFO, and CEO on key board topics.

What you will be doing

  • Responsible for all aspects of consolidated financial reporting and the production of the financial statements for all subsidiary companies to the timetable agreed with the CFO and external auditors.
  • Oversee the preparation of the full-year financial statements, taking account of all appropriate disclosure requirements.
  • Manage the technical aspects of the Group consolidation - dual reporting (IFRS 16 and IAS 17), disclosures, notes, statutory cash flow statement, dealing with auditor queries.
  • Responsible for the annual audit and the effective delivery of these in line with the relevant deadlines.
  • Oversee the production of effective, concise, and timely financial information to be circulated to the key decision makers within the business.
  • Provide technical accounting guidance for the wider finance team as well as developing the accounting policy manual and implementation of new standards.
  • Manage the companies banking requirements and relationships.
  • Manage lender relationships and ensure covenant compliance across all debt facilities.
  • Oversee cash flow on a daily basis and produce regular board reports with recommendations.
  • Ensure that treasury and FX risks for the Group are identified and mitigated appropriately.
  • Responsible for the development and implementation of the Group's treasury policy and banking relationships. Whilst the CFO owns the relationship, the Head of Finance will have exposure and lead elements of the day-to-day relationship.
  • Liaise with tax advisors on planning and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely filings.
  • Responsible for the tax risk register and compliance across the Group, including PAYE, Corporation tax (UK and overseas), and VAT, supported by the Tax Manager.
  • Prepare Board papers, presentations and summarise the main financial risks of the Group to the Board.

Who we are looking for

  • Qualified ACA/ACCA accountant with 5+ years progressive experience working in a strategic or finance, commercially focused role with previous exposure to Treasury and Tax.
  • Strong knowledge of IFRS, UK statutory accounts and relevant disclosure requirements, including understanding of IFRS 16.
  • Highly numerate with attention to detail.
  • High level of commercial and financial acumen with the ability to formulate and clearly communicate analysis, insight and recommendations for future strategies.
  • Ability to partner with the business across all levels of the organisation, supporting the development of strategy, delivery and reporting of results.
  • Has worked in a fast-paced finance team, preferably in retail/FMCG.

About Us:

We're a company that values our people; from day one you will receive ongoing support and have access to our various training and development programmes as well as exciting career development opportunities for your future. We offer a wide range of benefits to say thank you for all your hard work including; a competitive salary, a profit related bonus, 25 days holiday plus your birthday off, pension, as well as other perks such as our popular holiday trading scheme.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Head of External Reporting employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking High Street giant in Swindon, where your contributions as Head of External Reporting will be pivotal in shaping the company's future. With a strong emphasis on employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training programmes, a competitive salary, and a range of perks including 25 days holiday plus your birthday off. Experience a collaborative work culture that values your insights and fosters growth, making it an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.

Hays Accountancy and Finance

Contact Details:

Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of External Reporting

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the finance and accounting sectors, especially those who have experience in retail or FMCG. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the latest IFRS standards and UK statutory requirements, particularly IFRS 16. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in your field.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences managing relationships with external stakeholders like auditors and tax advisors. Highlight specific examples where you successfully navigated complex financial situations or compliance issues.

Tip Number 4

Showcase your ability to communicate financial insights clearly. Practice summarising complex financial data into concise reports or presentations, as this skill is crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Reporting

Qualified ACA/ACCA
Financial Reporting
IFRS Knowledge
UK Statutory Accounts
Attention to Detail
Commercial Acumen
Strategic Financial Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as an ACA/ACCA accountant and emphasises your 5+ years of progressive experience in strategic finance roles. Include specific examples of your work with Treasury and Tax, as well as your knowledge of IFRS and UK statutory accounts.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your understanding of the role and how your skills align with the company's needs. Mention your ability to communicate financial insights and your experience in fast-paced finance teams, particularly in retail or FMCG.

Highlight Key Achievements:In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and ability to manage relationships with external stakeholders. This could be successful audits, improved reporting processes, or effective cash flow management.

Proofread and Edit:Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and concise, reflecting the high level of professionalism expected for this senior role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance

Understand the Financial Landscape

Make sure you have a solid grasp of IFRS, UK statutory accounts, and the specific disclosure requirements relevant to the role. Brush up on IFRS 16 and IAS 17, as these will likely be key discussion points during your interview.

Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to formulate and communicate financial analysis and insights. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to strategic decisions in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments like retail or FMCG.

Highlight Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and senior management. Think of specific instances where you successfully navigated complex stakeholder dynamics.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Given the nature of the role, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in financial reporting and compliance. You might want to share examples of how you've handled auditor queries or managed technical aspects of group consolidation.