Head of Accounting Shared Services

A leading FTSE 100 business based in London is looking for a Head of Accounting to lead a large team in a centre of excellence focused on delivering accurate, timely, and well-controlled General Accounting services. They actively coach and drive the team to ensure the highest standard of service delivery and play a lead role in the continuous improvement of systems, processes, and service level agreements aligned to external & internal policies. They are a key member of the finance SSC leadership team and will positively contribute to the development of a collaborative, customer-focused, data-driven, process-led organisation delivered by empowered, talented, accountable colleagues.

This role offers hybrid working and a fantastic working environment for a highly recognised brand name company. The role offers excellent benefits including car allowance and company bonus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop effectiveness of the team through targeted coaching, training, and development, demonstrating the crucial leadership behaviours to motivate their team to achieve high levels of performance.
• Lead the consistent and timely delivery of the month-end close and improve the periodic financial close and internal control process.
• Manage and ensure financial compliance, governance, and oversight of General Accounting for the UK & Ireland businesses.
• Review and ensure accuracy and completeness of General Accounting transactions; ensure key controls are in place and operating effectively.
• Maintain and enhance the Balance Sheet Reconciliation programme to assure the integrity of key accounts.
• Lead ongoing compliance efforts and provide assurance that a robust control environment is in place at all times.
• Co-ordinate and liaise with external and internal auditors as the primary contact and plan, organise and coordinate the year-end close and audit process with them.
• Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide a high level of customer service to business partners (internally & externally).
• Identify opportunities to enhance the efficiency of existing processes and systems; develop the road map for deployment in collaboration with the Technology & Transformation team.

Skills and Competences:

• Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Broad and sustained team management experience (preferably in a Finance Shared Services environment).
• An experienced Finance leader with a demonstrable track record of successfully shaping & implementing end-to-end processes and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong technical accounting skills/knowledge.
• Strong organisational skills coupled with a process-driven approach to tasks, ensuring efficiency and consistency in general accounting deliverables; solutions-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, enabling clear, courteous, and constructive interaction with both internal teams and external customers.