At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for a Pension Fund, ensuring robust controls and reporting.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Woking with a focus on public sector finance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in financial leadership while managing a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong public sector finance experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with immediate start and potential for career advancement.
Position: Senior Financial Accountant
Location: Woking, England (Hybrid, on-site as required)
Salary: £550–£600/day
Start: ASAP
Role Overview: Provide senior financial leadership for the Pension Fund, managing fund accounting, reporting, controls, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. Hands-on role supporting year-end processes and business-as-usual operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain robust financial controls, reconciliations, and compliance.
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow operations.
- Oversee pension fund accounts, annual report preparation, and audit readiness.
- Prepare and present financial reports for committees and senior leadership.
- Lead a small finance team; provide direction, support, and prioritisation.
- Deputise for Head of Pensions – Resources as needed.
Essential Experience:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIPFA).
- Strong LGPS/public sector finance experience.
- Skilled in financial systems, data analysis, modelling, and reconciliations.
- Able to interpret and communicate complex financial information effectively.
Leadership & Delivery:
- Proven ability to lead finance teams and stabilise operations.
- Strong stakeholder management across finance, auditors, and external partners.
- Confident in presenting financial insights to non-finance audiences.
- Highly organised, proactive, independent, and delivery-focused.
Ideal Contractor:
- Immediately available or short notice.
- Comfortable with senior autonomy and fast-paced delivery.
- Able to stabilise workloads and improve clarity quickly.
Head of Financial Accounting in Woking employer: Sheer Jobs Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sheer Jobs Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with pension funds. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial reporting and compliance knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained robust financial controls in past roles. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a finance team or improved processes. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to stabilise operations and deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Accounting role. Highlight your experience in managing financial controls, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 position. Share specific examples of your leadership in finance and how you've successfully managed teams and operations in the past.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Since we’re looking for a fully qualified accountant, make sure to prominently display your ACA, ACCA, or CIPFA qualifications. We want to see that you have the credentials to back up your experience!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sheer Jobs Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Financial Accounting, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial controls and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to pension funds and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a small finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to providing direction and support, and how you've stabilised operations during challenging times.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial for this position. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial audiences. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships with auditors and external partners.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle fast-paced environments. Prepare scenarios where you've had to make quick decisions or improve clarity in financial operations, showcasing your proactive and delivery-focused mindset.