Head of Management Accounting in London

Head of Management Accounting in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Jobiqo

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and shape management accounting transformation.
  • Company: Join a prestigious higher education institution with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pension, generous leave, and extensive development opportunities.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and management accounting experience.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

A leading, internationally recognised higher education institution is partnering exclusively with a specialist recruitment firm to appoint a Head of Management Accounting on a permanent basis.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a large and complex organisation in a senior finance leadership position at a pivotal time.

The organisation is investing significantly in the future of its Finance function through the implementation of a major cloud-based ERP system, enhanced business intelligence capabilities and the modernisation of its management accounting processes.

As Head of Management Accounting, you will play a central role in shaping this transformation while leading a high-performing team responsible for delivering financial insight across a broad non-academic and professional services portfolio.

The role

  • Lead and develop a high-performing management accounting function of 11 finance professionals, creating a collaborative, high-performing culture centred on continuous improvement and exceptional customer service.
  • Oversee management accounting and financial reporting for more than 30 support service departments, responsible for approximately £320m of annual expenditure and £185m of capital investment programmes.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting and month-end reporting, ensuring timely, accurate and insightful financial information that supports strategic decision-making across the organisation.
  • Act as the finance lead for the continued optimisation of a major cloud-based ERP system, driving process redesign, standardisation, automation and the adoption of AI to improve efficiency and reporting capability.
  • Oversee financial accounting and statutory reporting for key subsidiaries, while leading external audit activity and ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, including FRS 102.
  • Partner with senior leaders across Finance and Professional Services, providing commercial insight, challenging assumptions and influencing strategic decision-making.
  • Work closely with the Finance Business Intelligence team to further develop reporting capability through Power BI and data-driven insights.
  • Champion continuous improvement by reviewing existing processes, strengthening controls and embedding best practice across the management accounting function.

Essential criteria

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or CCAB).
  • Proven leadership experience managing and developing finance teams.
  • Strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting expertise within a large, complex organisation.
  • Experience leading process improvement, harmonisation and finance transformation initiatives.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge senior leaders.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS 102.
  • Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.

The opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a highly respected, complex institution and play a key role in the continued development of its Finance function.

You will have the opportunity to influence transformation, develop a talented team and work closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

The role offers an outstanding working environment, genuine opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive reward package designed to support career progression, wellbeing and work-life balance.

Benefits include

  • Hybrid working, with 2–3 days per week office-based.
  • Competitive pension scheme.
  • Generous annual leave entitlement, plus additional organisational closure days and Bank Holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
  • Comprehensive health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, discounted sports facilities and occupational health services.
  • Excellent family-friendly policies, including enhanced parental and carers' leave and childcare initiatives.
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities to support long-term career progression.
  • A wide range of employee discounts, travel schemes and lifestyle benefits.
  • Apply now

If you're an ambitious finance leader looking for an opportunity to shape the future of management accounting within a complex, internationally recognised institution, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a permanent, full-time position based at the organisation's London campus, operating on a hybrid working model.

Applications close on 6 September, with interviews scheduled for 16 September.

Head of Management Accounting in London employer: Jobiqo

Bromley Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package, including a local government pension scheme and unique discounts, the Council prioritises employee well-being and career growth. Located in the vibrant Bromley Civic Centre, you will be part of a team that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the borough while enjoying the balance of urban and suburban life.

Jobiqo

Contact Details:

Jobiqo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Management Accounting in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Jobiqo. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Management Accounting in London

Leadership
Management Accounting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Reporting
Cloud-based ERP Systems
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Jobiqo.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Jobiqo's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jobiqo

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Jobiqo.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Jobiqo will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Jobiqo employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.