Head of Group Reporting

Job Purpose
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That's why our Finance team is passionate about creating an environment where people can do their best work.

The Head of Group Reporting role is right at the heart of the Finance team. We are looking for an experienced Group and Statutory Reporting specialist with a track record of delivering timely and accurate Group consolidations in complex, multi-currency environments.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop the Group Reporting team of c.4 qualified accountants
• Lead the preparation of the Group's multi-currency IFRS consolidation process and monthly management reporting
• Planning and execution of the interim and year-end external reporting and audit, including interim/preliminary announcements and Annual Report, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and disclosure requirements, and acting as the key point of contact with the external auditors
• Manage all technical aspects of the Group financial statements including dual reporting (IAS 17 / IFRS 16), impairment reviews, FX and provide technical expertise on complex accounting issues across the Group
• Support the production of Board and Audit Committee papers
• Oversee the production of subsidiary statutory Accounts for all legal entities
• Oversee the monthly accounting and reporting of Group holding companies
• Ownership of Group accounting policies and procedures, and coordination of new accounting policies and standards implementation including IFRS 18
• Management of group legal entity structure, including capital structures and monitoring of distributable reserves
• Involvement in development of ESG/sustainability reporting capabilities
• Involvement in ad hoc projects, to support the wider Group finance and business unit finance teams

Knowledge, skills and experience required

Candidates must be qualified ACA/ACCA with significant post-qualified experience, preferably within a listed Group function

• Track record of listed company reporting and multi-currency Group consolidation, with proven experience in leading a team
• Experience of Oracle FCCS or HFM consolidation software an advantage
• Excellent attention to detail, and ability to prioritise effectively and efficiently under tight deadlines
• Strong aptitude for finance systems and very comfortable on Excel, able to manipulate and report complex financial data into a reportable format
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, UK statutory accounts and relevant disclosure requirements, including understanding of IFRS 16
• Confident engaging communicator, who is able to build relationships and present financial information clearly, confidently and concisely
• Enthusiastic self-starter

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual bonus based on company and personal performance
• Hybrid working model from home and in the office
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Finish at 4pm on a Friday
• Staff discount card for stores and online