Head of Group Accounting

We are looking for a Head of Group Accounting to lead and oversee the Group's accounting and financial reporting activities across multiple international entities. The successful candidate will own the Group consolidation process, statutory audits, financial controls and reporting whilst partnering closely with finance teams across the business.

This is a new position based within our new Group Finance Centre of Excellence in Portugal. You will have the autonomy to shape the role, establish ways of working, and contribute to the future direction of Group finance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group accounting function, ensuring consistent application of accounting policies and controls across all entities.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Manage the Group consolidation process, including intercompany reconciliations and consolidation adjustments.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data across all subsidiaries.
• Lead and coordinate the annual statutory audit process and act as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Oversee the preparation and filing of statutory financial statements across the Group.
• Own the monthly upload, validation, and reconciliation of financial data within Cognos.
• Lead the global implementation and ongoing optimisation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central across all subsidiaries.
• Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of finance processes and reporting.
• Ensure a robust financial control environment across all entities, maintaining compliance with Group policies, governance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with local finance teams, senior leadership, auditors, and external advisors on accounting, reporting, and compliance matters.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Group CFO and senior leadership team, providing financial insight and driving finance excellence initiatives that improve efficiency, scalability and business performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Group accounting and consolidation team.

Success Measures

• Accurate and timely Group reporting and consolidations.
• Successful completion of statutory audits across all entities.
• Strong financial governance and control environment.
• Successful rollout and adoption of Business Central across the Group.
• High-quality financial information supporting executive decision-making.
• Development of a high-performing Group Accounting team.

About You

You are a technically strong accounting professional. You are comfortable operating in an international environment and can effectively influence stakeholders at all levels. You are a driven finance professional looking to make a significant impact in an international organisation.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, economics or a related discipline would be desirable.
• Significant experience of progressive accounting and finance experience within multinational organisations.
• Strong experience in Group accounting, consolidation and financial reporting.
• Experience leading external audits across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Experience leading accounting and finance teams.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience managing finance operations within shared services and experience with ERP implementations would be desirable.
  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Cognos reporting would be highly desirable.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems experience.
• A confident and strategic leader with stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are advantageous.