Head of Group Reporting and Accounting
Permanent, Full-time
London with hybrid working
James Fisher is a global engineering services company. From our origins as a ship owner and operator, we’ve evolved to provide the expertise and innovative technology our customers need in the harshest of environments across Energy, Defence and Maritime Transport.
We are relied on to help our customers deliver on their promises and realise their ambitions safely, efficiently and responsibly.
We have a strong heritage built on the foundations of our people and innovation. Alongside our valuable partnerships with customers, communities and suppliers, we are embedding a more sustainable approach across our business.
Our strategy is centred around the One James Fisher ambition. We are building a stronger, more cohesive engineering service company operating in the Blue Economy.
Together, we are building a brighter, bolder and more innovative future.
About the Role
The Head of Group Reporting and Accounting will play a pivotal leadership role within Group Finance, guiding a team of accountants and overseeing external and internal reporting, audits, monthly consolidation and ownership of the consolidation and reporting system. The individual will be responsible for determining and documenting key accounting judgements as well as providing expert accounting advice to the Group’s finance community, keeping up to date with all developments within IFRS and leading the implementation of new standards across the Group. The role will also be responsible for leadership and support of critical transformation workstreams around financial and management reporting, accounting and finance standards and procedures and data.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high performing team of accountants providing guidance, support and mentorship to ensure their professional growth and effective execution of their responsibilities. Drive the function towards a high standard of excellence, growth and infrastructure.
- Build a roadmap for improvement in processes and across the team, including the development and optimisation of our accounting/consolidation system and implementation of effective internal controls.
- Responsible for the production of the monthly Group management accounts and supporting information / analytics, ensuring that it is produced in a professional and timely manner. Continuously evolve the level of insight and clarity provided. Ensure additional analysis and reports are produced for purposes of financial control.
- Responsible for the delivery of Half Year Report and Annual Report and Accounts in a timely and efficient manner.
- Act as the main point of contact for external auditors, coordinating audit processes and ensuring appropriate information flow between all teams, including end to end project management. Escalation point for resolving matters across the Group.
- Prepare / review calculations and accounting papers for key accounting judgements, significant balances and large/unusual transactions (e.g. going concern, impairment assessment, divestments and acquisitions etc.).
- Coordinate the statutory audit timetable to ensure timely filing.
- Establish, develop and enforce robust financial reporting controls, minimising risks and enhancing accuracy and reliability.
- Provide technical support and expertise to the group, offering guidance on complex accounting issues and assisting in decision-making processes.
- Develop and maintain group accounting policies, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards. Ensure the policies are known and followed across the Group.
- Prepare responses to developments in IFRS. Lead implementation and roll out of changes in IFRS across the Group, including system developments to accommodate any new requirements. Lead a rolling programme of reviewing group-wide accounting under complex standards: IFRS 15, IFRS 9, IFRS 16, IFRS 17, etc
- Liaise with professional advisers as applicable
- Lead a development programme for the Group Consolidation package (Cognos) to streamline structures and improve reporting.
About the Candidate
- Qualified ACA or equivalent
- A people leader with demonstrable experience in building high performing teams in an international context
- Substantial and relevantPQE with experience in a similar role
- An adeptcommunicator with stakeholder engagement and management competencies
- Effective organisational ability and time management skillswith the ability to work to tight deadlines and with accuracy
- Previous experience in complex Plc’s and change context
- Strong understanding of controls requirements
- Significant experience in improving financial processes and documentation
- Consolidation systems experience
- Highly numerate and analytical
- A mindset driving for continuous change and improvement
If the above captured your interest, click "Apply".
Due to the volume of applications we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce. For more information Click here