Director of Corporate Accounting, UK

Purpose of the Job The Director of Corporate Accounting acts as the guardian of accounting quality and policy, leading a disciplined financial close and consolidation process across regions, advising senior leadership on technical accounting matters, and supporting acquisitions through their integration into the Group accounts, while building a high performing and scalable finance function. The role requires a senior finance leader responsible for the Group’s financial close, consolidation, external reporting, technical accounting and corporate entities, and acts as deputy to the Group Financial Controller.  You will ensure timely and accurate month end and year end closes, the production of consolidated group accounts, compliance with UK GAAP and other relevant standards, and the effective integration of acquisitions into the group consolidation and reporting framework. The role leads group accounting policy and complex technical assessments, oversees accounting position papers with clear conclusions, manages external audit and statutory reporting, and directs a small central team while partnering with regional finance controllers to drive consistency, strong controls and continuous improvement across the group. You'll provide leadership for the company’s corporate accounting and consolidation function, ensuring that the group accounts are prepared accurately and on time, and that the group audit is effectively coordinated and delivered to a high standard as a core finance metric. Key Responsibilities Financial Close & Reporting Lead and coordinate the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process across all regions and legal entities Establish and maintain a robust close calendar, ensuring deadlines are met without compromising accuracy or control Review group-level results, key journals, and reconciliations, ensuring completeness and consistency across regions  Group Consolidation Own the consolidation of group financial results using OneStream (or equivalent consolidation tools) Ensure accurate intercompany accounting, eliminations, foreign currency translation, and consolidation adjustments Produce consolidated financial statements and supporting analyses for management and statutory reporting purposes  Statutory Reporting (UK GAAP) Lead the preparation of consolidated statutory financial statements under UK GAAP (FRS 102) Coordinate inputs from tax, treasury, legal, and regional finance teams to ensure complete and accurate disclosures Oversee the year‑end reporting timetable, ensuring on‑time approval and filing of group accounts Technical Accounting & Policy Act as the group’s technical accounting authority, owning and maintaining Group Accounting Policies Lead the assessment of complex or non‑routine transactions, including revenue recognition matters, leases, acquisitions, and restructurings Prepare clear, well‑reasoned accounting position papers and whitepapers to support conclusions and judgments Communicate accounting policy updates and interpretations to finance teams globally  Audit & Controls Manage the group external audit process and act as the primary point of contact for auditors (Deloitte) Ensure audit readiness through strong documentation, timely delivery of audit schedules, and proactive issue resolution Maintain a strong financial control environment, including balance sheet integrity, journal controls, and review standards Partner with internal audit and compliance teams to remediate findings and strengthen financial reporting controls  Process Improvement & Transformation Drive continuous improvement in close, consolidation, and reporting processes Leverage systems, automation, and standardization to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency Support finance transformation initiatives, including system enhancements and operating model changes  Leadership & Business Partnership Provide technical accounting advice to the Group Financial Controller, CFO, and senior leadership Support strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, integrations, and business changes, from an accounting and reporting perspective Present key accounting matters, judgments, and outcomes to senior management and the Audit Committee as required  Leadership & People Management Lead and develop a small central Corporate Accounting team (of 3) covering consolidation, technical accounting, and selected corporate entities Set clear objectives, performance standards, and development plans for team members Act as a mentor and technical advisor to regional finance controllers and senior accountants Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the wider finance community Knowledge, Skills + Experience ACA / CPA qualified (or equivalent), with training from a large audit firm and having extensive audited publicly traded clients Proven experience in UK publicly listed (PLC) environments, with direct ownership of group consolidation and reporting Demonstrable hands‑on experience producing Group Financial Statements for large, complex, multinational groups (£/$500m+ revenues) Strong background managing multi‑entity, multi‑currency consolidations, including complex accounting judgments Experience leading and managing external audits and engaging credibly with senior stakeholders, including Audit Committees Significant senior‑level experience in group accounting, consolidation, and financial reporting within a complex, multinational organization Strong technical accounting expertise with a solid understanding of IFRS Proven experience managing group consolidations across multiple entities and jurisdictions Hands‑on experience with consolidation and reporting systems (e.g. OneStream, Hyperion, SAP, or similar) Demonstrated success managing external audits and delivering high‑quality statutory accounts Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills in a global, matrix environment Track record of improving close, consolidation, or reporting processes through standardization and automation Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly to non‑finance stakeholders     #LI-PL1 #LI-Hybrid