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 broad finance roles.
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.
Assignment Details
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 in London 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 as Head Accountant, providing direct exposure to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape the finance function. Enjoy the benefits of working in a financially stable environment with international exposure and long-term progression potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Accountant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in FMCG or international operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial reporting and consolidation. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in past roles. We want to see you shine and show us how you can bring value to the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Accountant in London
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 qualifications, especially if you're ACA/ACCA/CIMA certified, and any relevant experience in finance roles within SMEs or owner-managed businesses.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your hands-on experience and how you can contribute to improving reporting and controls in the finance function.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be working closely with non-finance stakeholders, it's important to demonstrate your strong communication skills. In your application, give examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams or departments.
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 regarding your application status!
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 relevant to the business, such as cash flow management and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial reporting or controls in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members or improved team performance. Highlight your experience in a hands-on role and how you’ve driven improvements in finance processes.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the FMCG sector and the company’s position within it. Research their international operations, especially in India and China. This will help you speak confidently about how you can support decision-making and enhance financial reporting across multiple entities.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role, especially when liaising with non-finance stakeholders. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with other departments to achieve common goals.
