Head of Financial Accounting

Are you an experienced leader in Financial Accounting and looking for a new and exciting opportunity? We have a fantastic opportunity to join Sovereign Network Group (SNG) as Head of Financial Accounting to lead the team responsible for SNG's financial accounting activities. Based from our office in Basingstoke, you'll combine office and home working to ensure a positive work/life balance. There may be some travel as required to our offices in Wembley.

SGN provide over 84,000 homes and invest in communities across the South, West and East of England, including London, as well as aiming to create thousands of new affordable homes every year. Our purpose is to provide good, affordable homes that are the foundation for a better life - and our vision is thriving communities, over generations.

The Role

Reporting into the Group Financial Controller, you'll lead SNG's financial accounting team to effectively manage SNG's accounting for c.£700m revenue, EBITDA of £183m and Net assets of £2.7bn. You'll lead on the preparation of both group and entity financial statements, alongside key financial information, while also coordinating the external audit process in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders.

You'll take responsibility for continuous development and execution of SNG's financial accounting policies, ensuring adherence to the latest accounting standards (FRS 102, SORP) and industry best practice. Responsibilities include:

• Leading on all consolidated statutory and key financial entity reporting and associated analysis and reconciliations for SNG's legal entities, including preparation of the annual financial statements as part of SNG's annual report.
• Being accountable for ensuring the general ledger chart of accounts is structured appropriately and remains fit for purpose to capture and report financial information for statutory, regulatory and management requirements.
• Together with the Group Financial Controller, lead the annual external audit plan and timetable with SNG's group auditors.
• Proactively developing and refining comprehensive accounting policies for SNG, ensuring ongoing adherence to latest accounting standards (FRS 102/SORP) and other regulatory requirements.
• Working with the Financial Control Manager to develop and maintain a robust financial control framework for all SNG's legal entities, ensuring financial integrity for SNG's balance sheet, aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Working collaboratively with the team responsible for the management and maintenance of SNG's fixed asset register and associated monthly, quarterly and annual control activities to ensure a compliant and complete Group and entity Balance sheet.
• Leading the Financial Accounting team with a focus on articulating a clear vision, providing direction, and fostering a culture of accountability, high performance, and continuous improvement.

What we need from you

You'll be a fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) with a demonstrable track record in previous technical leadership roles in a similar sized, matrix structured organisation, including managing the statutory consolidation process. Experience from within the housing sector is desirable but not essential. You'll also need:

• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. FRS102, Housing SORP and wider financial accounting standards (IFRS).
• A track record of leading year end external audit processes and production of annual financial statements.
• An extensive, clear working knowledge of processes and controls surrounding financial accounting, financial statements, including detailed report writing and analysis.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience in preparing and interpreting complex financial reports, including consolidated financial statements, cash flow statements, and income statements.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and leading a team of qualified and part-qualified accountants in a dynamic and evolving environment, encouraging continuous improvement and providing coaching and mentorship.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and build relationships effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Agresso/Unit 4, Sun, or similar accounting/ERP systems.

Your Benefits

We have some great benefits at SNG, including:

• £450 yearly flexible benefit pot to use against benefits of your choice.
• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days).
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package.
• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary.
• Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover.
• Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service.

At Sovereign Network Group, we are passionate about inclusion for all and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at SNG. If you would like the opportunity to make a real impact within our changing and growing organisation, we would love to hear from you!