At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Group accounting, external reporting, and financial governance while developing a high-performing team.
- Company: Zenith, the UK's largest independent vehicle solutions provider, committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: 24 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse colleague-led networks and agile working options.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking company making mobility smarter and greener while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Full ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification with experience in complex reporting environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Zenith, we've been leading the transition to sustainable vehicle solutions for over 30 years.
As the UK's largest independent vehicle solutions provider, we're proud of our people, our award-winning service, and our bold ambitions to make mobility smarter, greener, and better for everyone.
We're powered by people, driven by innovation, and committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
We are currently looking for a Head of Accounting to lead our Group statutory, external and regulatory reporting.
You will ensure reporting across Zenith is accurate, timely and compliant, while providing authoritative technical accounting advice and strengthening our financial controls, governance and balance-sheet discipline.
You will lead and develop the accounting and reporting team within Group Finance, working closely with divisional finance teams, Management Accounting, Treasury, Investor Relations, Commercial Finance, external auditors and advisers.
You will build trusted relationships, raise technical capability across Finance and help deliver our finance transformation roadmap.
- What's The Role
- Lead Group statutory accounts, external reporting, regulatory submissions and the year-end audit timetable.
- Own the external audit process, resolving issues promptly and maintaining a strong auditor relationship.
- Provide clear technical accounting advice on complex commercial, financing, strategic and M&A transactions.
- Set and embed Group accounting policies, controls and governance standards across the business.
- Strengthen balance-sheet discipline by improving reconciliations, ownership and risk management.
- Lead, coach and develop an engaged, inclusive and high-performing accounting and reporting team.
- Drive finance transformation through simpler processes, effective controls and improved data quality.
- What Can You Offer
- A full ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification with post-qualification experience in a complex reporting environment.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards, statutory accounting and complex accounting judgements.
- Proven experience owning group or multi-entity external reporting and the year-end audit.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex matters clearly and credibly.
- Strong analytical skills, with experience reconciling large data volumes and producing clear reporting.
- Excellent organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
- Strong Microsoft 365 and Excel capability, ideally with experience of finance transformation, systems implementation or regulated environments.
- What's In It For You
- 24 days annual leave plus your birthday off, with the option to buy more
- Private Medical Insurance, Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Dental and Health Cash Plans
- Tech Scheme, Car Sacrifice Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loans, and Perks at Work discounts on everyday essentials
- Development opportunities through our My GPS personal development framework, plus an inclusive culture with colleague-led equality networks
- Onsite GP, Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders, sports and social clubs, company activities, team events, and free onsite parking
- Agile working - you might have the opportunity to work remotely when it works for the Customer, Zenith and yourself, and you'll work with your manager to agree how this works best
Why Zenith?
- Award-winning - Leasing Company of the Year (Fleet News 2026), Large Business of the Year (Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards)
- Sustainability champions - Over 41% of our fleet are Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), and we're a carbon-neutral organisation
- Innovators - Investing £25 million in transformation, with a thriving fleet of 169,910 vehicles
- Inclusive - Six colleague-led diversity groups and a workplace where everyone can thrive
- A place to grow - Clear pathways through our My GPS personal development framework
We want to positively encourage differences in Zenith and believe it is critical to our success as a company.
Zenith is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Accounting in Leeds employer: Zenith Vehicles
Zenith Vehicles is an outstanding employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Leeds that prioritises employee development and well-being. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and excellent onsite facilities, we foster a supportive environment where Customer Experience Specialists can thrive and grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on our customers' experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Accounting in Leeds
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Zenith Vehicles. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Accounting in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Zenith Vehicles.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Zenith Vehicles's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zenith Vehicles
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Zenith Vehicles.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Zenith Vehicles will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Zenith Vehicles employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
