At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function and oversee international financial reporting.
- Company: Established FMCG business with a strong heritage and global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and international exposure.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape finance processes and work in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a hands-on role with direct access to senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in a broad finance role.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are working with a long-established, privately owned international FMCG business (c.£60m turnover) with a strong heritage, excellent reputation and growing global presence. The business continues to expand internationally alongside its established UK operations and remains in a strong financial position with low staff turnover and a clear long-term strategy. They are now looking to recruit a new Chief Accountant to take ownership of a broad finance remit, working closely with the owners and senior leadership team in a visible, hands-on role.
This is a broad and hands-on Chief Accountant position with responsibility for leading the UK finance function, alongside oversight of international financial reporting and group consolidation. You will play a key role in supporting decision-making, improving reporting, strengthening controls and ensuring high-quality financial information across the group.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the day-to-day finance function from the London office
- Managing and developing a UK-based finance team (4 finance staff)
- Overseeing and consolidating financial reporting across UK and international operations
- Preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts
- Supporting the preparation of statutory accounts and liaising with auditors
- Ownership of budgeting and forecasting across multiple entities
- Cash flow management and reporting
- Providing commercial analysis on sales, margins and business performance
- Oversight of stock and inventory reporting
- Managing banking relationships, FX exposure (USD / EUR) and treasury activity
- Liaising with overseas operations and external advisers to support consistent reporting and group consolidation
- Supporting the ongoing improvement of reporting, controls and finance processes
International Exposure
A key aspect of the role will be oversight of financial reporting across the wider group, including operations in India and China. Local accounting support in overseas jurisdictions is provided through external advisers, with the London finance team responsible for oversight, consolidation and ensuring consistency of reporting across entities. There may be occasional international travel where required.
Skills Required
- We are looking for a commercially minded, hands-on finance professional who is comfortable operating in an owner-managed environment.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
- Experience in a broad finance role, ideally within an SME or owner-managed business
- Comfortable operating both strategically and in the detail
- Experience of multi-entity or international reporting would be advantageous
- Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders
- Proactive, adaptable and comfortable driving improvements across reporting and processes
Why Join?
- Long-established, financially stable business with strong heritage and low staff turnover
- Broad, hands-on role with real ownership and visibility
- Direct exposure to owners and senior decision-making
- International exposure across a growing group
- Opportunity to shape and strengthen the finance function
- Long-term progression potential within the group
Head Accountant employer: Mature Accountants ltd
Join a long-established, privately owned international FMCG business that boasts a strong heritage and excellent reputation. With a focus on employee growth and a low turnover rate, this company offers a broad, hands-on role with direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape the finance function. Located in London, you will benefit from international exposure and the chance to work within a financially stable environment that prioritises meaningful contributions and career progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is golden in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company inside out. Understand their financial strategies and recent developments. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or reporting in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re the proactive finance professional they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head Accountant role. Highlight your experience in managing finance teams and overseeing financial reporting, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or supported decision-making in previous positions.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) prominently. We want to see that you’re fully qualified and ready to take on the challenges of this hands-on position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mature Accountants ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can not only manage but also interpret financial data effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a finance team, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed team members or improved team performance. This will show that you're not just about the numbers, but also about people.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector and the specific challenges it faces. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the company's goals and how you can contribute to their international growth strategy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in multi-entity reporting and cash flow management. Think of scenarios from your past where you successfully navigated complex financial situations and be ready to share those stories.
