Group Financial Reporting Manager in Cardiff

The Group Financial Reporting Manager is responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of group financial reporting, statutory compliance, and related financial governance. The role provides oversight of treasury operations, audit management, tax compliance, risk and control frameworks, and technical accounting matters, working closely with the Finance Director and external advisors to support the Group’s financial position and compliance obligations.

The Person

• Demonstrable experience of preparation of management accounts, month-end and year-end close processes, and preparation of statutory accounts.
• Demonstrable experience of preparing technical accounting papers to support judgemental or complex areas of accounting.
• Knowledge of FRS 102 and an understanding of the UK tax environment.
• Hold a professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or able to demonstrate equivalent level of experience and skills.
• Excellent IT skills, specifically Microsoft and Finance & Accounting packages.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of regulatory compliance.
• Ability to communicate and work through the medium of Welsh is desirable.
• Experience of process improvement and managing change.
• An understanding of payroll process would be desirable.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for the preparation of the annual statutory financial statements for the Group and subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with FRS 102.
• Prepare high-quality group consolidation, reporting packs, and financing statements for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, ensuring appropriate documentation, audit trails, and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Own balance sheet reconciliations relating to loans, financing arrangements, and other accounts.
• Responsibility for short-term group cashflow forecasting, liquidity management, RCF utilisation, and covenant reporting.
• Prepare covenant calculations and supporting schedules, ensuring timely and accurate lender reporting.
• Ensure correct accounting and disclosure of loans, interest, and financing arrangements.
• Management of payments approvals and delegated authorities.
• Accountable for the coordination and support of external audits, acting as the primary point of contact for auditors.
• Ensure the accurate, timely, and efficient preparation of audit deliverables and responses.
• Oversee resolution of audit findings and implementation of agreed actions.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulations across the Group, including preparation and timely submission of VAT returns.
• Coordinate corporation tax processes and filings, working closely with third-party tax advisors.
• Support the Finance Director in identifying and managing tax risks.
• Lead the R&D submission.
• Ensure a robust system of financial controls, policies, and processes is in place across the Finance function.
• Provide oversight of finance risk reporting, monitoring key financial and compliance risks.
• Manage Group insurance administration and support the Finance Director in placing and renewing insurance cover.
• Prepare technical accounting papers to support significant accounting judgements and complex transactions.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and support to finance team members.
• Maintain and update Group accounting policies, ensuring consistent application.
• Coordinate and prepare grant reporting, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and audit requirements.
• Act as key liaison for internal stakeholders and external bodies related to grant funding and other reporting.

Key Relationships

• Finance team
• Finance Director
• Group auditors
• Group tax advisors
• Lenders

Benefits

• Salary Sacrifice Pension (5% employee contribution, matched by WRU)
• Life assurance scheme
• WRU Group Ticket Allocation (in line with ticketing policy)
• One additional paid day off (birthday leave)
• Employee assistance programme
• Team Tactics – hybrid working arrangements
• Free stadium parking and gym
• WRU Group store and tour discounts
• WRU Group partnership offers
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme