Interim Head of Financial Reporting

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Financial Reporting: Take ownership of the preparation and review of all financial statements and reports, ensuring full compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP. This includes statutory accounts, management accounts, and other internal and external financial disclosures.
• Team Leadership and Development: Oversee and mentor a dedicated team, potentially including offshore support, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. You'll be responsible for their development, performance management, and ensuring efficient workflow.
• Regulatory and Audit Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies. You'll manage the audit process, address queries, and ensure all reporting meets regulatory requirements and deadlines.
• Process Improvement: Continuously identify and implement improvements to financial reporting processes, systems, and controls to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Technical Expertise: Provide expert technical accounting guidance on complex financial reporting matters, staying up-to-date with changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements relevant to the financial services sector.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with various internal departments, including front office, operations, and risk, to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to financial reporting.

Qualifications and Experience:

• ACA/CA qualified (or equivalent) with a strong academic background, ideally gained within a Big 4 accounting firm.
• Significant and demonstrable experience in financial services, with a deep understanding of industry-specific accounting treatments and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven expertise in managing and preparing financial reports under both IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Prior experience in overseeing a team or managing offshore support is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a challenging and fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.