Head of Financial Accounting & Controls

Head of Financial Accounting & Controls Cardiff (Hybrid)

Up to £110,000 + Bonus + Bens

Financial Services

Our financial services client is seeking a senior finance leader to take ownership of their Financial Accounting and Controls function. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will be a key player in the finance leadership team. The mandate is to run a robust financial control environment, lead a blended team of qualified and trainee accountants, and act as the technical lead on a major finance software transformation project.

The Mandate

• Leadership & Team Management: Direct and mentor the Financial Accounting and Controls team to deliver all core finance function objectives.
• Accounting & Controls: Maintain the integrity of financial ledgers and data sources. Lead the monthly close process and produce management accounts in strict compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Group Consolidation & Statutory Reporting: Manage the consolidation of UK results for Group reporting, ensuring complete alignment with Group accounting policies and statutory requirements.
• Regulatory & Treasury: Oversee critical regulatory returns for the intermediary business, including VAT. Manage cash balances, cash flow forecasting, and ensure compliance with Group liquidity requirements.
• Transformation & Continuous Improvement: Partner directly with the finance transformation team to execute the implementation of a new financial accounting software package. Develop new accounting and control processes to support the rollout of new commercial products.
• Audit & Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for internal risk, internal audit, and external statutory auditors. Build strong relationships across the wider business to continually improve reporting lines.

Required Expertise

• 5+ years Post-Qualification Experience (PQE) with a recognised accountancy qualification and a strong academic background.
• Deep technical knowledge of IFRS, with specific, proven experience in technical accounting and financial controls.
• A commercial mindset with the proven ability to challenge the status quo, direct change, and continuously improve processes.
• Experience of managing a large team in a large corporate environment.

Important Notes for ALL Applicants

• All applicants MUST hold full, sole UK Citizenship. VISA Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• This is ideally a permanent (salaried) position; however, we also welcome applications from professional interims/contractors (day rate).