At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global accounting operations and ensure compliance across multiple countries.
- Company: Swire Renewable Energy, a dynamic player in the energy transition sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Shape a global finance function and make a real impact in a purpose-driven industry.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with 5+ years of leadership experience in finance.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Accounting to take full ownership of accounting operations across our international group. This hands‑on leadership role is suited to an ambitious finance professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. You will lead a sizeable team of accounting professionals across 5+ countries, reporting directly to the CFO, and will play a key role in our financial transformation journey. A major focus will be integrating and standardising accounting processes across the group to support strong controls, scalability, and transparency.
Key Responsibilities
- Accounting Operations: Lead end‑to‑end accounting across multiple global entities, ensuring timely month‑end/year‑end close and compliant statutory reporting. Oversee AR/AP, GL, payroll, treasury accounting, cash flow, and balance sheet integrity. Deliver accurate IFRS/GAAP financial statements and partner with FP&A on budgeting and forecasting. Manage the external audit process and maintain strong auditor relationships.
- Controls, Systems & Governance: Strengthen financial controls, policies, and governance across the group. Drive process and system improvements to enhance efficiency and scalability. Lead the rollout of the Group ERP to newly acquired entities and maintain unified accounting standards. Work closely with Operations, Commercial, and Project teams to align finance processes with business needs. Lead and develop a distributed finance team across multiple countries. Foster a high‑performance, solutions‑oriented culture focused on quality and continuous improvement. Build cohesion between the core accounting team and shared service centre.
Experience & Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent) with 5+ years’ post‑qualified experience.
- Proven experience leading and developing high‑performing finance teams.
- Strong track record of building or enhancing financial controls in fast‑paced, scaling businesses.
- Experience working in multi‑entity, multi‑currency group environments.
- Experience with ERP implementations (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics, Navision) and working with shared service centres.
- Background in acquisitive or rapidly growing organisations is highly advantageous.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel to the different office and warehouse locations (approximately 10–20%).
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and bonus.
- Opportunity to shape and build a global finance function.
- Ability to contribute to a purpose‑driven sector advancing the energy transition.
- Career progression within a rapidly growing international group.
All applicants are welcome to apply regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation.
Head of Accounting employer: Swire Renewable Energy
Contact Detail:
Swire Renewable Energy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in international accounting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Show us you understand their challenges and how you can help streamline their accounting processes. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership in multi-entity environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, and it gives you a better chance to stand out. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Swire Renewable Energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Accounting role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in financial controls and team management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led accounting operations or improved processes in previous positions, and show your enthusiasm for joining our team.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like ACA, ACCA, or CPA, and your post-qualified experience. We want to see how your background makes you a strong candidate for leading our finance function.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our growing international group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Swire Renewable Energy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Accounting, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial controls in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you’ve led accounting operations and ensured compliance.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a sizeable team across multiple countries. Think about your leadership style and be ready to discuss how you’ve developed high-performing teams. Share stories that highlight your ability to foster a solutions-oriented culture and how you’ve managed diverse teams effectively.
✨Understand the Business
Get familiar with Swire Renewable Energy’s business model and how finance supports its goals. Be prepared to discuss how you would align finance processes with operational needs. Showing that you understand the broader business context will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for ERP Discussions
Since experience with ERP implementations is crucial, be ready to talk about your past experiences with systems like Microsoft Dynamics or Navision. Discuss any challenges you faced during rollouts and how you overcame them, as well as how you ensured standardisation across entities.