Head of Financial Accounting (Temporary) in London

Management Accounting Manager required for a Technology and Research organisation based in London!

£80,000 - £90,000 + bonus and benefits, dependent on experience.

Stanton House has been retained with a significant research and innovation organisation to appoint a Management Accounting Manager. This organisation operates in a highly complex environment, combining commercial operations, government funding, grant income and long-term strategic programmes. Its work has a meaningful impact across the UK and internationally, and the finance function plays a critical role in ensuring strong governance, accountability and decision support.

Following a period of significant organisational change, including the implementation of a new ERP platform, the business is looking for an experienced finance leader to lead its management accounting function and support the next phase of operational improvement.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will lead the management accounting team and take ownership of the month-end close process, management reporting, financial controls and team performance. Managing a function of approximately 20 people through a layered structure, you will be responsible for delivering accurate financial information, supporting executive reporting requirements, and driving continuous improvement across processes, controls and systems.

This role would suit a qualified accountant with experience leading sizeable teams in complex organisations where governance, external scrutiny and financial compliance are critical.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading management accounting teams within complex organisations.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including FRS 102 and revenue recognition principles.
• Extensive month-end, management reporting and balance sheet ownership experience.
• Track record of implementing and maintaining strong financial controls and governance processes.
• Experience operating within environments subject to significant external scrutiny, compliance requirements or reputational risk.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to work across multiple functions.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a management accounting function of approximately 20 employees, including five direct reports.
• Manage the month-end close process and ensure timely delivery of monthly management accounts.
• Oversee full P&L and balance sheet reporting, including detailed variance analysis and performance commentary.
• Deliver executive-level reporting and support the ongoing development of management information and KPI reporting.
• Partner closely with commercial finance and wider business stakeholders to improve understanding of financial performance.
• Maintain robust financial controls, governance frameworks and balance sheet review processes.
• Support internal and external audit requirements, providing clear explanations of accounting treatments and control environments.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and longer-term financial planning activities.
• Support the ongoing optimisation and stabilisation of a recently implemented ERP platform.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, simplify processes and enhance reporting capability across the finance function.