Head of Management Accounting

Purpose and contribution of job: 

Lead the Group management accounting processes and oversee Group balance sheet controls in accordance with IFRS.  Drive global alignment of overhead cost reporting across the Group and month-end close process improvements. Work with senior leaders to make process changes.  Manage the month-end close timetable and ensure compliance across the Group.  

Accountabilities: 

• Supervise the delivery of accounting processes to ensure SAP based accounting records for overhead costs and revenue are maintained completely, accurately and in line with accounting standards and group accounting policies.   

• Drive Global alignment of cost reporting across all territories to facilitate like for like comparisons and improve cost control for the business. Work with senior leaders to implement the changes.  

• Work with senior leaders in Finance and relevant business areas to ensure consistency of revenue reporting across all territories to facilitate like for like comparisons. Where changes are required ensure effective communication and captured correctly in all levels of reporting including the monthly board pack.   

• Produce and deliver analysis with explanation on financial transactions to aid understanding of financial position during month-end close. 

• Manage the Group ownership report process including review of all balance sheet items.  Ensure compliance across Global teams and drive process improvement.     

• Manage and deliver a robust controls environment for agreed record to report accounting processes to ensure delivery in line with group policy including accurate monthly balance sheet reconciliations.  

• Manage the month-end close timetable and ensure compliance across global teams.  

• Review and monitor accounting records and entries to ensure they are accounted for within the correct legal entity. Working with Financial Accounting team on Local GAAP accounting and audits. 

• Review and monitor accounting in foreign currency to ensure it is accounted for in line with group policy and that the correct rates are used for each currency transaction 

• Manage audit data requests from external auditors, providing information to meet group reporting and statutory deadlines.  Ensure collaborative working relationship with auditors to deliver audit in efficient way.  

• Review, develop and improve processes / operations to create efficiency and reduce non-essential workload. 

• Create the conditions that deliver a highly competent, energetic, engaged and motivated workforce who are committed and aligned to delivery outcomes 

• Ad hoc tasks as required from time to time at the direction of the Director of External Reporting and Accounting 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience: 

• Professionally qualified accountant either ACA (Chartered) or ACCA (Certified) with significant relevant and in-depth post qualification accounting experience. 

• Experience of working directly with senior leaders and proven record of effective communication with senior management.   

• Experience of managing a medium/large team. Strong leadership skills to influence across all finance teams, senior leaders and relevant business units. 

• Experience at communicating and working within an SSC environment and in a Global business. 

• Ability to produce management accounts as subject matter expert for required areas and stand up to scrutiny from external auditors. 

• Ability to apply technical knowledge to “every-day” issues. 

• Detailed knowledge of finance structure; both commercially and from a legal/statutory angle. 

• Ability to apply sound judgment to accounting situations/questions.  

• Highest standards of accuracy and precision; highly organised with excellent problem-solving skills.