Interim Head of External Reporting

This role has senior visibility, being a key interface with external stakeholders, such as the Auditors, day-to-day Banking relationships and Tax advisors, in addition to exposure to senior internal stakeholders such as the Company Secretary, CFO, and CEO on key board topics.

Client Details

My client are a major retail brand who are entering an exciting period of change filled with growth and opportunities. This is one of a number of opportunities that will play a key part in shaping the future of the business.

Description

The key responsibilities within the role:

• Responsible for all aspects of consolidated financial reporting and the production of the financial statements for all subsidiary companies to the timetable agreed with the CFO and external auditors.
• Oversee the preparation of the full-year financial statements, taking account of all appropriate disclosure requirements.
• Manage the technical aspects of the Group consolidation - dual reporting (IFRS 16 and IAS 17), disclosures, notes, statutory cash flow statement, dealing with auditor queries
• Responsible for the annual audit and the effective delivery of these in line with the relevant deadlines.
• Oversee the production of effective, concise, and timely financial information to be circulated to the key decision makers within the business.
• Provide technical accounting guidance for the wider finance team as well as developing the accounting policy manual and implementation of new standards
• Manage the companies banking requirements and relationships
• Manage lender relationships and ensure covenant compliance across all debt facilities.
• Oversee cash flow on a daily basis and produce regular board reports with recommendations.
• Ensure that treasury and FX risks for the Group are identified and mitigated appropriately.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of the Group's treasury policy and banking relationships. Whilst the CFO owns the relationship, this role will have exposure and lead elements of the day-to-day relationship.
• Liaise with tax advisors on planning and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely filings.
• Responsible for the tax risk register and compliance across the Group, including PAYE, Corporation tax (UK and overseas), and VAT, supported by the Tax Manager
• Prepare Board papers, presentations and summarise the main financial risks of the Group to the Board.

Profile

The successful candidate will possess:

• Qualified ACA/ACCA accountant with 5+ years progressive experience working in a strategic or finance, commercially focused role with previous exposure to Treasury and Tax
• Strong knowledge of IFRS, UK statutory accounts and relevant disclosure requirements, including understanding of IFRS 16
• Highly numerate with attention to detail
• High level of commercial and financial acumen with the ability to formulate and clearly communicate analysis, insight and recommendations for future strategies
• Ability to partner with the business across all levels of the organisation, supporting the development of strategy, delivery and reporting of results
• Has worked in a fast-paced finance team, preferably in retail/FMCG.

Job Offer

There is a highly competitive day rate available for this role depending on experience. This will sit INSIDE IR35 and requires 3 days a week onsite in the Swindon office. Only candidates either immediately available/available at short notice will be considered.