At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the accounting function for a global brokerage across multiple countries and currencies.
- Company: Established yet fast-growing commodity brokerage with a people-focused culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a high-visibility finance leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in finance leadership and team management.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and thrive in a fast-paced, international setting.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client is one of London’s most established yet fast-growing global commodity brokerages, combining international scale with a people-focused culture.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the accounting function across 15 group entities (UK, Singapore, Dubai and Switzerland), including consolidation of international subsidiaries and holding companies.
- Leadership of a finance function of 16 across Accounting, Payables and Receivables, providing oversight, support and problem-solving across teams.
- Direct management and mentoring of the Accounting team, supporting the development of junior and part-qualified accountants.
- Ownership of the monthly close process and coordination of year-end audits, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and strong financial control.
- Oversight and review of balance sheet and P&L integrity including accruals, prepayments, reconciliations, fixed assets, AR and AP.
- Oversight of group consolidation across multiple currencies and jurisdictions.
- Cashflow oversight including approval of AP invoices and tax payments (including PAYE).
- Calculation and oversight of broker bonus accruals and partner profit share.
- Preparation and oversight of financial data supporting UK and US regulatory submissions (in collaboration with Compliance).
- Primary point of contact for auditors and regular interaction with the CEO and Global CFO.
IDEAL CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
- Qualified Accountant (ACA or ACCA) with post-qualification experience in a finance leadership or controller role.
- Experience working within an FCA regulated entity or similarly regulated financial services environment (brokerage experience advantageous but not essential).
- Experience consolidating multiple international entities across jurisdictions within a multi-currency environment.
- Proven experience managing and developing accounting teams.
- Strong ownership of month-end close and audit processes.
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on, operational finance role with high visibility across the business.
- Highly proficient in Excel.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment.
Head of Accounting in London employer: RICHARD JAMES RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS LTD
Contact Detail:
RICHARD JAMES RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in or know about commodity brokerages. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of international accounting standards and regulations. We want you to shine when discussing your experience with multi-currency consolidations and financial controls!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've mentored junior accountants or led a finance team. We love hearing about your hands-on approach and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our growing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Accounting role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant work in FCA regulated environments to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Numbers speak volumes, so if you improved processes or led successful projects, make sure to include those details!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RICHARD JAMES RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Accounting, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics and figures relevant to the company’s operations, especially around consolidation and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar responsibilities in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance function of 16 people, so it’s crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you’ve mentored junior accountants or improved team performance. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Since the company operates in a regulated environment, make sure you’re familiar with FCA regulations and any relevant compliance issues. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated regulatory submissions in the past and how you ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to month-end close processes, balance sheet integrity, and multi-currency consolidations. Brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to discuss how you manage complex financial data. Showing confidence in your technical abilities will go a long way.