Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager

Financial Accounting and Reporting Manager, for market leading large multi-billion turnover over business, based within the regulated utilities sector.

The position is responsible for accounting standards and governance across the group, and leading on all external reporting, including accounting, audit, ESG and sustainability reporting. The role has an interactive working relationship with board executives including CFO, and CEO, and has the potential for career succession.

Together with a small, qualified team, the role takes a lead and delivers best practice in regards to external reporting, accounting standards and governance across the group, managing change and driving improvement by engaging with the business on finance and regulatory matters.

Core responsibilities include:

• Leading the statutory and annual reporting process.
• Manage the relationship with the external auditor and the external audit process.
• Proactively contribute to the design and execution of the tendering for audit services, additionally prepare the business for a smooth transition to newly appointed external auditor.
• Write accounting papers to support and report on technical accounting and governance matters internal and external including Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee and Board.
• Business partner with the broader business providing advice relating to financial accounting issues regarding commercial developments and changes in the business.
• Technical accounting leadership on IFRS/ FRS 102 ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Lead projects to review and improve existing accounting practices and related processes.
• Remain current on and lead response to any changes in regulatory requirements, including accounting standards, financial reporting and related governance and controls. Including amendments to FRS 102.
• Coordinate improvements across the Group in respect of ESG, Climate and Sustainability reporting and disclosures.
• Prepare and providing briefing updates to the CFO and CEO in respect of certain matters, including technical accounting, regulatory changes and the external audit process.
• Support key financial processes such as month-end close and reporting, and Budgeting and Forecasting, as may be required.
• Manage the submission of Environmental and Sustainability information to shareholders - coordinating with the business.
• Contribute to the improvement in the efficiency and automation of key financial processes relating to financial reporting and compliance.
• Support wider finance and business teams such as Tax, Treasury, Commercial Services and Strategy and Regulation.
• To participate in ad hoc project such as mergers and acquisitions.

This is a leadership role on technical accounting and governance issues across the Group, leading best practice and improving existing processes.

Key focuses included continued enhancement of current statutory reporting towards best market practice whilst preparing for a tender of audit services and changes in regulations, in addition to coordinate improvements in respect of ESG and Sustainability reporting with the rest of the Group.

Qualifying experience includes: -

• Qualified accountant with extensive post qualification experience (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Strong academics, educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Deep technical accounting knowledge, IFRS / FRS 102
• Proven experience in the application and rollout/ transition of accounting standards
• Significant experience in the preparation or implementation of Annual Reports for large or listed UK entities
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements relating to UK Annual Reports, including corporate governance, companies act
• Experience of preparing technical and governance papers, for internal management and Audit Committee/ Board
• Strong Project Management skills
• Specific knowledge or experience of Sustainability reporting requirements (such as TCFD) would be advantageous but is not required, however a strong interest in this area is.
• Knowledge or experience of the energy sector, regulated sector or similar would be beneficial

Competencies include: -

• Technically in the detail.
• Motivated to understand and enforce compliance.
• Credible with Senior Executives. Able to communicate effectively and articulate a position to senior management including the CFO and CEO.
• Hands on, roll up sleeves and able to work independently and pro-actively on own initiative
• Ability to influence Senior Stakeholders. Must be creditable and able to establish senior relationships quickly and effectively and be comfortable/ confidence in knowledge.
• An established track record of being able to Project Manage. An ability to evidence success at initiating and delivering projects with multiple stakeholders to deadlines.
• Excellent business writing skills - be able to contribute key content fit for external publication.
• Able to work productively with partners inside and outside of finance to deliver outputs.
• A professional who demonstrates a leadership approach, moves others to action by planning, motivating, organising and controlling work being done.
• Offer a high level of commitment.
• Help develop other less experienced members of staff through coaching/ feedback.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.