Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse team in cost accounting and accounts payable across multiple locations.
- Company: Investec is a dynamic financial services company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day office week, remote work options, and a range of wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Join a culture of innovation and inclusivity while making a real impact on financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost drivers, strong Excel skills, and proven leadership abilities required.
- Other info: We encourage all candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every criterion.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 175000 £ per year.
Investec are seeking an experienced leader to join our team as the Head of Cost Accounting & Payables. As the Head of Cost Accounting & Payables, you will lead a diverse team of 17 professionals across London, Mumbai, and South Africa. The Cost Accounting team are collectively responsible for the budgeting, reporting and accounting activities for Technology, Operations, Risk, Finance, HR, Marketing and all other business enablement functions. The Accounts Payable team are based in South Africa and fulfil our obligations to vendors/suppliers through timely onboarding, invoice processing and arranging settlements, in compliance with internal policies. In addition, the team also facilitates the reimbursement of staff expenses and manages the corporate credit card scheme. The Head of Cost Accounting & Payables will lead the Cost Accounting team and oversee the delivery of the accounts payable activities offshored to Investec Ltd in South Africa.
What you will be doing:
- Team Leadership: Develop and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of enthusiasm, commitment, and collaboration.
- Strategic Alignment: Ensure all team members understand the UK growth strategy and their role in contributing to its success.
- Financial Integrity: Maintain the accuracy and integrity of cost accounting in accordance with relevant accounting standards and tax laws.
- Cost Allocation Oversight: Manage the cost allocation methodology and associated processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Reporting & Analysis: Deliver regular financial reporting, strategic reviews, and create compelling financial narratives on costs.
- Executive Influence: Provide strategic-level finance support to Executive Committee members, influencing decisions across all business enablement areas.
- Operational Partnership: Act as a financial partner to identify opportunities for cost optimisation and drive operational efficiencies.
- Process Transformation: Collaborate with Technology to transform existing processes, leveraging modern technologies such as Power platforms and AI.
- Market Insight: Stay informed on market dynamics and industry trends affecting business support areas.
What We're Looking For:
- Experience: Demonstrable knowledge of cost drivers and banking products and processes.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with knowledge of data visualisation best practices.
- Analytical Acumen: Exceptional analytical skills with a strong operational finance understanding.
- Leadership Qualities: Proven leadership and coaching abilities, with a focus on team development and stakeholder management.
- Business Insight: Strong business and commercial acumen, with great attention to detail and effective business partnering skills.
As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote. Investec offers a range of wellbeing benefits to make our people feel healthier, balanced and more fulfilled in their lives inside and outside of work. Here is a selection of what we offer; Wellbeing Subsidy, Corporate Gym Membership, Virtual GP, Peppy Health App (Fertility, Menopause and Early Parenthood), Optional Private Medical & Dental Insurance, Non-contributory Pension & Discretionary Bonus, Life & Income Protection, Life Assurance, Critical Illness & Income Protection, Season Ticket Loan & Electric Vehicle Scheme.
Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It’s a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.
Research shows that some candidates can be reluctant to apply to a role unless they meet all the criteria. We pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial spirit here and welcome you to do the same – if the role excites you, please don’t let our person specification hold you back. Get in touch!
We commit to ensure that everyone is fairly assessed during our recruitment process. To assist candidates in completing their application form, assistive technology is available on our Careers pages. This can be accessed by clicking on the ‘Accessibility Options' link at the top of the page. If you have any form of disability or neurodivergent need and require further assistance in completing your application, please contact the Careers team who will be happy to assist.
Head of Cost Accounting and Payables employer: Investec
Contact Detail:
Investec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cost Accounting and Payables
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Investec's culture and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusion and innovation will help you align your approach during interviews, showcasing how you can contribute to their collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in cost accounting and payables. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven operational efficiencies, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market dynamics and industry trends relevant to cost accounting and banking. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to strategic alignment within the company.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and proficiency in tools like Excel and PowerPoint. Being able to articulate how you've used data visualisation to influence decisions will be crucial in showcasing your fit for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cost Accounting and Payables
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cost accounting and payables. Emphasise leadership roles and any experience you have with budgeting, reporting, and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Investec. Discuss how your skills align with their needs, particularly in financial integrity and operational partnership.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, as well as any experience with data visualisation tools. Mention specific projects where you've used these skills to drive results.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of how you've developed and inspired teams in previous roles. Highlight your coaching abilities and how you've contributed to a positive team culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Investec
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the role involves leading a diverse team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific examples of how you've developed and inspired teams in the past, highlighting your ability to foster collaboration and commitment.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the focus on cost accounting and financial integrity, brush up on relevant accounting standards and tax laws. Be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, reporting, and financial analysis, showcasing your analytical skills and operational finance understanding.
✨Understand the Business Context
Investec values strong business insight, so research their operations and market dynamics. Prepare to discuss how you can align the cost accounting and payables functions with the company's growth strategy and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
✨Emphasise Process Transformation Experience
With a focus on leveraging technology for process improvement, be ready to talk about any past experiences where you've successfully implemented new technologies or transformed existing processes. Highlight your familiarity with tools like Power platforms and AI.
