Head of Financial Reporting

Location: London

Location: Hybrid 2/3 days a week – can be based in any hub which are located throughout the UK

This role plays a central role in ensuring the organisation's financial reporting is accurate, timely, and fully compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM), and relevant government guidance. As a senior finance professional, you will lead the end-to-end production of the Annual Report and Accounts (ARA), manage external audit relationships, and provide expert technical accounting advice. You will support continuous improvement in financial processes and controls, while also advising senior leadership on key financial and performance issues. This position requires a fully qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA) with strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, ideally with experience in the public sector and a solid understanding of government accounting standards.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure full compliance of accounts with IFRS, the FReM, and applicable government financial guidance.
• Lead the production and internal review process of the Annual Report and Accounts, covering both narrative and financial elements.
• Manage the audit cycle, acting as the key liaison with external auditors to ensure timely and smooth progression of the ARA.
• Evaluate and enhance current financial processes and controls, driving efficiency and consistency.
• Provide expert technical accounting advice and represent finance functions both internally and externally.
• Support, develop, and motivate team members, fostering continuous professional growth and high performance.
• Advise senior leadership on financial, performance, and risk matters; deputise for the Financial Controller as required.

Essential Criteria:

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA).
• Demonstrated experience leading the production of Annual Report and Accounts and managing audit processes.
• Strong understanding of complex financial reporting issues and standards within a government or public sector context.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to clearly present findings tailored to diverse audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building effective stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in improving financial processes and implementing standardised, efficient working methods.
• Ideally experienced in the public sector and familiar with Oracle financial systems (desirable).