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- Tasks: Lead cost centre accounting, ensuring accurate reporting and strategic financial insights.
- Company: Verian, a purpose-led company driving social change through impactful projects.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, opportunities for growth, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence key financial decisions that shape public policy.
- Qualifications: Strong cost accounting knowledge, analytical skills, and experience with SAP or S4H.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to high standards and financial governance.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: London, (Hybrid)
Contract: Permanent
About Verian
Verian is a purpose-led company, delivering high-impact projects that shape public policy and drive social change. From education to health, crime to energy, our projects make a real difference. With offices in 15 countries, our consultants and researchers advise government departments, regulators, charities, and other public sector organisations to make informed decisions and improve people’s lives. Operating globally, Verian has offices across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the United States.
About the Team
The Verian Group Finance HQ team is a central, high performing, and collaborative function that plays a critical role in supporting the Group’s strategic and operational objectives. Based at the heart of the organisation, the team brings together deep technical expertise, strong business partnering capability, and a shared commitment to high standards of financial governance and insight.
About the Role
The Head of Cost Centre Accounting is responsible for ensuring that all organisational costs are accurately captured, allocated, analysed, and reported at the cost‑centre level. This role acts as the financial “owner” of cost visibility, supporting strategic decision‑making, budgeting, performance management, and cost optimisation across the business.
What You’ll Do
- Provide accurate, timely and insight-driven cost reporting across all cost centres
- Ensure financial control and governance over cost structures
- Partner with departmental heads to explain variances, challenge assumptions, and drive cost discipline
- Translate cost data into strategic recommendations for senior leadership
Cost Accounting & Reporting
- Oversee cost allocation methodologies and ensure they are applied consistently
- Produce monthly cost‑centre performance reports, variance analysis, and insight
- Maintain the chart of accounts related to cost centres
Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning
- Lead the cost‑centre portion of the annual budget cycle
- Coordinate rolling forecasts and scenario planning
- Check and apply the necessary rigour to budget assumptions
Financial Governance & Controls
- Ensure compliance with internal accounting policies
- Oversee periodic cost‑centre reconciliations and cost allocations
- Strengthen processes to increase efficiency and reduce manual adjustments
What You’ll Bring
- Strong cost centre & technical accounting knowledge with a management accounting focus
- Excellent analytical and data‑interpretation skills with the ability to translate complex cost data into actionable insights
- Strong understanding of cost drivers
- Experience with SAP or S4H
- Exceptional cost transparency and insight
- Rigorous financial control and high reporting standards
- Detailed budgeting, forecasting and cost planning skills
- Strong business partnering and influential communication
A Bonus If
- You can drive transformation and offer commercial insights
Why Verian?
- Impactful role with opportunities for growth
- Hybrid & flexible working
How To Apply
Ready to make an impact? We’d welcome your application! Apply online today, and if your profile matches, we’ll be in touch for an initial exploratory interview. We encourage applications from all sections of society and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the application and interview process.
Head of Accounting in London employer: Verian Group
Contact Detail:
Verian Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work at Verian or similar companies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into cost centre accounting. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you can drive cost discipline and transparency. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk numbers; bring your analytical skills to life! Use real-world examples of how you've translated complex data into actionable insights. This will demonstrate your value as a strategic partner.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Cost Centre Accounting role. Highlight your cost accounting experience and any relevant achievements that align with what Verian is looking for. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can help Verian achieve its goals. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data interpretation, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've successfully translated complex data into actionable insights. We’re keen to see how you can bring clarity to cost visibility!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Verian Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Cost Centre Accounting, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of cost accounting principles. Brush up on your technical accounting knowledge and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in previous roles. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed cost allocations and reporting.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
This role requires excellent analytical abilities. Be prepared to explain complex cost data and how you’ve translated it into actionable insights. Think of scenarios where your analysis led to significant improvements or cost optimisations and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the Business
Verian is all about making an impact through informed decision-making. Familiarise yourself with their projects and how financial governance plays a role in them. This will help you connect your experience with their mission and show that you’re not just a numbers person but also a strategic partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world challenges. Prepare for scenario-based questions related to budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls. Think about how you would approach various situations, such as explaining variances to departmental heads or improving cost transparency.