Head of Financial Accounting

Head of Financial Accounting

Bristol Full-Time 50000 - 67000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Financial Accounting Team, ensuring financial integrity and compliance.
  • Company: A large government organisation focused on road safety across Great Britain.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, 25 days holiday, latest tech, and excellent learning opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact on road safety.
  • Qualifications: Must be CCAB or CIMA qualified with extensive financial accounting experience.
  • Other info: Join a diverse culture with a focus on inclusion and employee wellbeing.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 67000 £ per year.

1 month ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Role

This position is to lead the Financial Accounting Team. This specialist team sits at the heart of Finance. The team is responsible for the integrity of the finance systems, statutory reporting and managing the balance sheet including fixed assets.

Location : Bristol, Nottingham, Swansea

Salary: £58,857 per annum

This is a key position offering an opportunity to shape how the team operates and influence its future direction.

Applicants must be CCAB, CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with an excellent track record of delivery in large and complex organisations. You will enjoy collaborating and working with a broad range of stakeholders.

The organisation is a large, complex government organisation responsible for road safety. It operates across Great Britain generating annual income of around £450m and employing c4,600 people.

The Head of Financial Accounting is responsible for ensuring effective financial stewardship of the organisation. This includes compliance with financial standards and best practice, delivery of the Annual Report and Accounts, managing the annual audit and delivering an unqualified audit opinion.

The position directly leads a team of 5 colleagues, also providing influence and direction to the whole of the Finance department on matters of financial accounting. It provides expertise in financial accounting and has exposure to senior leaders as well as external stakeholders.

The position works with managers and leaders across the Agency supporting front-line delivery and decision making.

Responsibilities

  • Contributing to the achievement of their strategy by ensuring that the organisation has robust systems of internal control, is financially sustainable meeting its financial objectives while realising value for money.
  • Provide assurance to the Accounting Officer as to the propriety and regularity of all income and expenditure, assets, liabilities and reserves and ensure the accuracy and integrity of their financial accounts and accounting procedures.
  • Production of accurate and timely financial reporting including the published Annual Report and Accounts.

Person specification

  • You will be a fully qualified CCAB, CIMA Accountant (or equivalent) with excellent knowledge and experience of financial accounting.
  • You will have great communicating and influencing skills and able to deliver complex finance messages to a broad range of stakeholders.
  • You will have extensive experience of working with statutory reporting frameworks (such as UK GAAP, IFRS etc.) and delivering Annual Report and Accounts, or equivalent.
  • You are proactive with a strong record of delivery.
  • You will have experience of leading financial activities in a large and complex organisation.
  • You will have the confidence and enthusiasm to make a real impact within your team, driving those around you to achieve shared objectives.

About Them

The organisation helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably.

They do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

They’re Working Hard To

  • Make roads safer
  • Improve services for their customers
  • Make road transport greener and healthier
  • Harness the potential of technology and data
  • Grow and level up the economy

Benefits

  • An environment with flexible working options where they encourage a great work-life balance
  • Generous Annual Leave – 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30
  • 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King\’s birthday
  • Latest IT and Tech devices
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all their colleagues
  • Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level
  • Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names
  • Employee assistance programme for health and wellbeing
  • Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable organisation, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

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Head of Financial Accounting employer: Smiley & Co, Ltd.

Join a leading government organisation in Bristol, Nottingham, or Swansea as the Head of Financial Accounting, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial stewardship and ensuring compliance with best practices. Enjoy a supportive work culture that promotes work-life balance, offers generous annual leave, and provides excellent learning and development opportunities tailored to your career growth. With a commitment to inclusion and diversity, this is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside dedicated professionals in a complex and dynamic environment.
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Contact Detail:

Smiley & Co, Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific financial reporting frameworks mentioned in the job description, such as UK GAAP and IFRS. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully led a financial team or project in a large organisation. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and deliver complex financial messages clearly, as this is crucial for the Head of Financial Accounting position.

✨Tip Number 3

Research the organisation's mission and recent initiatives related to road safety and sustainability. Showing that you understand their goals and how your role can contribute to them will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current or former employees of the organisation on platforms like LinkedIn. Gaining insights into the company culture and expectations can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting

CCAB or CIMA qualification
Financial Accounting Expertise
Statutory Reporting Knowledge
UK GAAP and IFRS Familiarity
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Management
Excellent Communication Skills
Influencing Skills
Financial Stewardship
Internal Control Systems
Audit Management
Annual Report and Accounts Production
Proactive Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Team Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CCAB or CIMA qualifications and relevant experience in financial accounting. Emphasise your track record in large organisations and any leadership roles you've held.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your skills align with their needs, particularly in statutory reporting and financial stewardship.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires excellent communication and influencing skills, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully conveyed complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.

Highlight Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements related to financial reporting and audits in your application. Mention any successful projects or initiatives that demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to deliver results.

How to prepare for a job interview at Smiley & Co, Ltd.

✨Showcase Your Qualifications

Make sure to highlight your CCAB or CIMA qualifications during the interview. Discuss how your educational background and professional experience align with the requirements of the Head of Financial Accounting role, especially in large and complex organisations.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As this position involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of your leadership style and experiences. Talk about how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in financial settings, and how you can influence and motivate others.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to financial accounting standards such as UK GAAP and IFRS. Brush up on your knowledge of statutory reporting frameworks and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, particularly in producing Annual Reports and Accounts.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since the role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills by explaining how you've successfully conveyed financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past.

Head of Financial Accounting
Smiley & Co, Ltd.
S
  • Head of Financial Accounting

    Bristol
    Full-Time
    50000 - 67000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-15

  • S

    Smiley & Co, Ltd.

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