At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and manage a team to ensure compliance and reporting.
- Company: Globally recognised not-for-profit organisation with a strong mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, hybrid working, and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven organisation and make a real impact during a growth phase.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial accounting and international tax.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
A globally recognised not-for-profit organisation is seeking an experienced finance leader to support its continued international growth. This is a revenue-generating organisation with annual income exceeding £50 million and a significant proportion of income generated overseas. The organisation operates in a complex international environment and is committed to maintaining strong financial governance, compliance and reporting standards across multiple jurisdictions.
An opportunity has arisen for a Head of Financial Accounting to join the organisation on a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, this role leads one of the organisation's core finance functions and works closely with senior finance colleagues across financial planning, analysis and transactional finance. The successful candidate will manage a team of seven, including three direct reports.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the monthly financial close process.
- Preparing statutory accounts and managing the year-end audit.
- Ensuring UK and international tax compliance through engagement with external advisers.
- Maintaining robust financial controls and governance frameworks.
- Supporting senior leadership with high-quality financial reporting and insight.
Key project work during the contract will include:
- Establishing new international branches, subsidiaries and tax registrations, and transitioning these into ongoing compliance processes.
- Supporting the implementation and integration of tax compliance software with the organisation's ERP system.
- Overseeing the continued development of a recently implemented international expense management system.
- Managing the transition of statutory accounts to the new Charity SORP.
The Person
The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant experience in financial accounting and tax.
You will bring:
- Strong experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting and audit management.
- Detailed knowledge of UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
- Experience operating within an international environment, including exposure to cross-border tax matters.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to strong financial controls.
- A commercial and pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
- Experience driving process improvements and enhancing reporting frameworks.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Proven people management experience with the ability to lead and develop teams.
What's on Offer?
- A senior leadership opportunity within a purpose-driven organisation.
- Exposure to a broad international finance remit.
- The chance to contribute during an important period of organisational development and growth.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Generous pension provision.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- A collaborative and supportive working culture.
Please apply to be considered!
Head of Financial Accounting (12-month FTC) in Westminster employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding global travel organisation that values innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll enjoy a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package while working closely with senior leadership on strategic projects, fostering your professional growth in a supportive environment. With clear progression opportunities and the chance to influence business performance across multiple regions, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path.
Contact Details:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting (12-month FTC) in Westminster
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Hays Accountancy and Finance.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Hays Accountancy and Finance might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting (12-month FTC) in Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Hays Accountancy and Finance will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Hays Accountancy and Finance. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Hays Accountancy and Finance confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Hays Accountancy and Finance.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Hays Accountancy and Finance that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
