Group Technical Accountant

Interim Financial Reporting Accountant / Manager 18 month FTC - based in London or Manchester Immediate start or maximum 1 months notice.

We are looking for an Interim Group Technical Accountant on an 18-month fixed-term contract. This role combines involvement in complex corporate transaction projects with supporting day-to-day financial reporting activities during a period of increased workload.

You will be a key member of the Group Controllership and Reporting team, providing technical accounting expertise and helping to deliver significant transactions and reporting requirements.

This is a highly visible role that combines technical accounting, financial reporting, audit management, and financial controllership responsibilities across the Shared business area. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, external auditors, and the Audit Committee, helping to ensure high-quality financial reporting and robust accounting solutions.

• Support the Head of Financial Reporting in analysing and accounting for non-routine transactions, including corporate transactions, acquisitions, disposals, and discontinued operations.
• Review and assess complex accounting areas including revenue recognition, defined benefit pension schemes, and the impact of group restructurings.
• Prepare half-year and year-end statutory financial statements under IFRS for a listed company.
• Act as the main contact for the Group external audit, coordinating audit activities and managing technical accounting matters to meet reporting deadlines.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and papers for the Audit Committee, providing clear recommendations and conclusions on complex transactions.
• Oversee the financial reporting and controllership activities for entities within the Shared business area, including period-end reviews and non-routine accounting matters.
• Lead the implementation of IFRS 18, assessing its impact on financial reporting and working with finance systems teams to update chart of accounts structures.
• Maintain and update the Group accounting policy manual, including drafting new accounting policies and revising existing guidance.
• Provide technical accounting support across the business on IFRS and UK GAAP matters.
• Deliver technical accounting training and updates to finance teams across the organisation.
• Identify and implement improvements to reporting processes and financial controls.

• ACA, ACCA, or equivalent qualified accountant with relevant post-qualification experience.
• Previous experience in audit practice working on listed companies, or experience in a similar financial reporting role within industry.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP.
• Proven expertise in business combinations, group consolidations, and revenue recognition.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex accounting issues to both finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Strong interest in technical accounting and high-quality external financial reporting.
• Proactive and resilient problem solver who takes ownership and delivers solutions.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• Strong relationship-building skills with experience working effectively across teams and with senior stakeholders