Head of Accounting

Head of AccountingLocation: WatfordSalary: £90,000 - £110,000 per annumHybrid Working: 2/3 days per week in the officeWe are seeking an experienced senior finance professional with an understanding of the insurance sector. Our client is looking for a dynamic individual to lead its accounting team as the Head of Accounting.This pivotal role will oversee all aspects of financial accounting and reporting, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and driving operational excellence.Key Responsibilities:* Financial Reporting and Compliance: Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and audit files. Manage Company Secretarial duties and regulatory filings. Liaise with external auditors and ensure adherence to local and international accounting standards.* Taxation: Oversee IPT, VAT, and Corporate Tax obligations. Prepare and review tax returns, ensuring timely submission in compliance with regulatory requirements.* Treasury Management: Maintain relationships with banking partners. Manage the bank mandate and approval processes. Develop and monitor monthly cash forecasts to optimise liquidity management.* Group Consolidation and Reporting: Coordinate quarterly group consolidation activities. Collaborate closely with regional and head office finance teams to ensure accurate and timely reporting. Adhere to group reporting processes and timelines.* Regulatory Compliance: Prepare bi-annual and year-end submissions to regulatory bodies. Contribute to annual reports and maintain regulatory compliance in accordance with industry standards.* Finance Operations: Supervise the finance team's operations, including outsourced activities. Ensure adherence to SLAs and drive efficiency improvements through the implementation of best practices and new accounting standards.Profile:* Experience: 10 years of progressive experience in finance, with exposure to the insurance industry.* Leadership: Proven managerial experience, with the ability to lead and motivate a team effectively. Must be an exceptional manager capable of rolling up sleeves and leading by example.* Technical Skills: Fully qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with a strong grasp of accounting principles and IFRS standards. Proficiency in accounting systems such as SAP is advantageous.* Strategic Focus: Ability to prioritise and allocate resources effectively to achieve strategic objectives. Experience in leading key projects and process improvements is desirable.* Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.* Adaptability: Energetic and adaptable, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.* IT Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic finance professional to make a significant impact within a dynamic organisation. If you possess the required qualifications and are looking for a challenging yet rewarding role, please apply now.AGY - Vitae Financial RecruitmentWe Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration