Interim Head of Financial Reporting

Communicate is partnering with a well-known listed retail group as they seek to appoint an Interim Head of Financial Reporting. This is a pivotal role during a busy reporting period, focused on delivering high-quality consolidated financial statements, overseeing audits, and providing strategic technical accounting guidance.

The successful candidate will lead a small but high-performing team, manage external audit relationships, and drive process improvements across financial reporting. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced financial reporting leader to step into a high-impact role with board-level visibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and review of consolidated financial statements for the Group and its subsidiaries, ensuring full compliance with IFRS and relevant regulatory standards
• Manage the annual audit and interim review process, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors
• Draft and review technical accounting papers and policy documentation, offering clear recommendations to senior leadership
• Provide expert guidance on technical accounting issues, including new standards, M&A activity, and group structuring
• Oversee reporting to lenders, ensuring covenant compliance and timely submissions
• Work closely with the Finance Director, supporting on refinancing scenarios, corporate modelling, and strategic projects
• Review and enhance management accounts, offering clear, board-level commentary and insights
• Ensure appropriate working capital treatment and maintain accurate reconciliations within the cash flow statement
• Lead and develop the Group Financial Accountant, providing coaching and oversight
• Manage corporation tax compliance in coordination with external advisors, including deferred tax calculations and planning
• Support banking relationships, including payment approvals and operational liaison
• Identify and drive improvements across reporting processes, controls, and systems
• Provide ad hoc analysis and support to the wider finance leadership team as needed

Key Requirements;

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA or equivalent), ideally trained in a Big 4 environment
• Minimum 4 years post-qualified experience, with a strong technical accounting background
• Previous experience in a listed company and working knowledge of reporting requirements for public entities
• Proven track record of managing audit processes and preparing complex consolidated financial statements
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills, with the ability to interpret and challenge complex data sets
• A confident communicator who can work closely with senior stakeholders, including the Board, auditors, and banks
• Available to start immediately

If you're a technically strong, delivery-focused financial leader with experience in listed environments and a hands-on approach, we’d love to hear from you