Group Reporting Manager in Knutsford

The Group Reporting Manager will play a pivotal role in driving efficiencies and improved visibility of financial and non-financial data across the Group as well as driving technical accounting excellence. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to production of monthly, half yearly and full year reporting ensuring that all controls are performed effectively and partnering with the FP&A team on forecasting and budgeting. Managing a team of x4 Group Accountants this role reports to the Head of Group Reporting and Accounting and will support in building and managing a team that fits into the wider group finance organisation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management of the Group consolidation process and reporting output alongside the associated commentary, driving for deep insightful reporting.
• Identify weaknesses in financial and management reporting processes and output and work with peers to drive improvement.
• Preparation and review of Group interim and statutory accounts and UK subsidiary statutory accounts.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure management reporting continues to evolve, particularly as the Group evolves, driving for efficiencies and digitalisation.
• Establish a positive working relationship with divisional and functional leaders, creating the right balance of challenge whilst supporting various business initiatives.
• Driving initiatives to improve technical accounting capability across the Group.
• Support and build a high performing team.
• Establish, develop and enforce robust financial reporting controls, minimising risks and enhancing accuracy and reliability.
• Collaborate with external auditors to facilitate a smooth and efficient audit of the consolidation process and all associated inputs/outputs.
• Liaise with other professional advisers as applicable.
• Develop and maintain group accounting policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Ensure the policies are known and followed across the Group.
• Partner with Group FP&A to drive collaboration for forecasts, budgets and strategic plans.
• Support the broader finance team in achieving departmental and organisational goals.
• Ensure you stay informed about new developments in IFRS and related regulatory frameworks to assess their impact on the Group.
• Perform ad-hoc requests and project work, including coordination of global financial requests as required and liaison with senior personnel across the group.
• Ensure that all the Group controls are implemented and operated effectively.

What we’re looking for:

• You will succeed in building collaborative and trusting relationships with business leaders and functional heads and be able to successfully build relationships at all levels of the business.
• You will play a key role in developing the function, know “What good looks like”: and be flexible and able to adapt to a new environment, where certain areas may require development from scratch.
• A mindset that is driving for continuous change and improvement.
• An adept communicator, comfortable with stakeholder engagement and management competencies.
• Effective organisational ability and time management skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and with accuracy.

Key skills, knowledge and experience:

• Qualified ACA or equivalent.
• Demonstrable experience in building high performing teams.
• Relevant PQE with experience in management and financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for PLCs.
• Strong understanding of controls requirements.
• Experience in improving financial processes and documentation.

Competitive benefits tailored to the division. Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation. A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions. Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

About Us:

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting‑edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets. James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.