Accounting Manager in London

Hybrid working model: 50% office-based, with the office located at Chiswick Park, West London.

Job Purpose and Mission

To lead the UK Accounting Team, ensuring timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts under US GAAP and statutory reporting under IFRS. This role focuses on managing the annual audit process, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting the business with financial insight and guidance to enable informed decision-making. Works closely with UK Commercial Finance, EMEA & US accounting/finance teams, and key stakeholders.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the UK Accounting Team, ensuring high performance, strong technical excellence and delivery of all reporting deadlines.
• Deliver key reporting, provide insightful analysis and recommendations, while maintaining strong reporting controls.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes under US GAAP, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Own the preparation and filing of UK statutory financial statements under IFRS, acting as the primary liaison with external auditors and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain and strengthen the internal control environment, ensuring compliance with company policies, US GAAP requirements and audit expectations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with stakeholders to assess accounting impacts of operational initiatives, unusual transactions, new agreements, and projects.
• Review and approve journal postings, reconciliations, and financial statements.
• Own the integrity of the UK balance sheet, ensuring all accounts are accurately reconciled, reviewed and supported in accordance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Produce monthly and quarterly P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow variance analysis and commentary with related supporting schedules.
• Drive process improvements and automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and promote best-in-class accounting and reporting practices across the function.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and recommendations to support business performance and strategic decision-making.
• Act as a trusted finance partner to senior leadership, providing accounting guidance on business initiatives and strategic decisions.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations and best practices by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and engaging with professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Accounting experience in a large, multi-site operation, retail business or similar environment.
• ACA / ACCA qualified (or international equivalent), with solid post-qualified experience.
• Proven experience managing, coaching and developing accounting teams, with a minimum of 3 years' people management responsibility.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP and IFRS, with proven experience managing audits.
• Sound knowledge of retail inventory (Inventory management systems).
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to coach and develop others.
• Strong systems skills in all MS Office applications, with advanced Excel required.
• Experience working with large ERP accounting and reporting system; Oracle, Anaplan XL preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor team members, build strong stakeholder relationships, and communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proactive and solution-focused approach.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to successfully operate in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.