At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure accurate global financial reporting and drive process improvements.
- Company: Fast-paced global business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Generous leave, remote work options, and mental health support.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a high-performing team culture and drive innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of accounting in a transformative role with real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with leadership experience and strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
A fast‑paced, global business with significant growth ambitions, and an Accounting function entering a period of transformation to support that growth. This is an exciting opportunity to drive that agenda, with full ownership of the numbers and the scope to shape what comes next for the function.
Reporting directly to the VP, Controllership and working in a leadership team alongside Reporting, Risk, and Payroll, the Director, Accounting holds full accountability for the completeness and accuracy of the Global General Ledger across the full P&L and Balance Sheet. This role will lead a team of accounting professionals and drive an improvement agenda that scales the function to meet the demands of a fast‑paced business – through hands‑on ownership of the numbers, critical thinking on every estimate and judgement, and continued development of the function beyond process compliance.
Ultimate accountability for the Global GL under US GAAP, including the completeness, accuracy, and timely close of all entities worldwide. Build and lead a scalable end‑to‑end close operating model; set standards, drive consistency, and coach the team to execute with rigour. Maintain the quality of balance sheet reconciliations and close deliverables; identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, applying critical evaluation alongside sound accounting and commercial judgement.
Deliver authoritative monthly and quarterly P&L and balance sheet flux analysis – clear on commercial and accounting drivers, risks and opportunities, and material one‑off items. The senior escalation point for accounting matters across the business; research, document, and defend positions on complex and novel issues. Provide technical accounting support to business growth and commercial deals, including under ASC 606 (Revenue Recognition) and other judgement‑intensive areas.
Ground accounting in US GAAP principles and policies, with technical rigour as the baseline. Evaluate the accounting treatment of commercial arrangements with technical precision and commercial awareness. Critical thinking on every judgement call, with standard methodology as a starting point rather than a substitute for judgement. Own the improvement agenda – simplify, standardise, and automate close processes, leading with the adoption of AI and enabling technology.
Partner across Finance, Enterprise Systems and AI Enablement on systems transformation that scales the function for the future. Define and embed quality standards, governance frameworks, and documentation requirements across a geographically dispersed team. Partner with Finance Operations and the Center of Excellence to maintain clear ownership and consistent execution across time zones (US West Coast, US East Coast, UK, India).
Coach and develop a team of accounting professionals, building technical capability and succession depth within the function. Create a high‑performing team culture grounded in clear expectations, mutual accountability, meaningful development, and direct, honest communication. Build strong relationships with Finance and Commercial business partners; bring commercial perspective to accounting judgements. Represent the Accounting function with confidence and credibility at senior management level.
Benefits
- Generous parental leave
- Generous paid vacation + time off for your birthday
- Paid volunteer time
- Enriched learning and development opportunities – leadership development & access to thousands of on‑demand e‑learnings
- Work from (almost) anywhere – wherever you do your best work
- Mental health and well‑being – company‑paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth, company‑paid subscription to HeadSpace, and company‑wide weeks off a year so the whole team can recharge
Proven track record of leading and developing teams of qualified accountants and people managers; significant post‑qualification experience in financial accounting leadership, with full GL accountability and ownership of the end‑to‑end close cycle across a complex, multi‑entity, global business – including the completeness and accuracy of the numbers; fully‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CA or equivalent); numbers‑first with strong ownership of accuracy – credible at senior stakeholder level, telling the story behind the numbers and comfortable pushing back when warranted; a high‑performing people leader, invested in growth and outcomes; a natural change leader with an improvement mindset – builds the case, brings the team along, and delivers lasting change at pace; deep technical grounding in US GAAP, with the confidence to take and defend positions on complex matters; at ease in fast‑paced, global complexity, fluent across both strategic and detailed work.
Director of Accounting in London employer: OpenTable
Join a dynamic global business that prioritises growth and transformation within its Accounting function. As a Director of Accounting, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values employee development, offering enriched learning opportunities and generous leave policies, including paid volunteer time and mental health support. With the flexibility to work from almost anywhere, this role not only allows you to lead a high-performing team but also empowers you to drive meaningful change in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of 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 OpenTable. 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 Director of Accounting in London
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 OpenTable.
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 OpenTable'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 OpenTable
✨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 OpenTable.
✨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 OpenTable 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 OpenTable 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.
