Head of Accounting. LilyLifestyle

Head of Accounting job for an International Logistics Group in Manchester, paying up to £130k bonus

A highly acquisitive, market‑leading listed group is embarking on a major finance transformation programme and strengthening its regional finance leadership model. As part of this strategic investment, the organisation is enhancing its EMEA accounting capability to improve technical consistency, reporting quality and financial governance across multiple jurisdictions. This is an exciting opportunity to join the business at a pivotal moment and play a defining role in shaping a best‑in‑class EMEA accounting function that can support continued growth and integration activity.

As Head of Accounting, you will take end‑to‑end ownership of the group’s accounting and reporting activities across the EMEA region. The role blends strategic regional leadership with deep technical expertise, covering financial accounting, statutory and group reporting, technical accounting, financial controls and accounting governance across multiple countries and business units. You will be responsible for setting a consistent accounting framework across EMEA, while accommodating local regulatory and statutory requirements.

You will lead and develop a high‑performing regional accounting team, embedding robust processes, strengthening controls and ensuring high‑quality, timely reporting aligned to the expectations of a listed organisation.

Working closely with Group Finance, Tax, Risk and local finance leaders, you will own key accounting policies, drive IFRS compliance and play a central role in the integration of newly acquired entities into the EMEA reporting model. This role is also integral to the wider finance transformation agenda, contributing to systems improvements, process standardisation and the continued evolution of the finance operating model across the region.

• Technically strong, qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with extensive experience in financial accounting and reporting within a complex, multi‑country or listed group environment.
• Strong track record of leading teams across geographies and influencing stakeholders in matrix structures.
• Comfortable operating in a transforming organisation where structures and processes continue to evolve, bringing strong judgement, pragmatism and resilience.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to operate credibly with senior finance leadership.
• Experience with in an acquisitive, fast‑growing or transformation‑led business, particularly with EMEA exposure, is highly advantageous.

You will receive a highly competitive package, including a salary of up to £130k plus bonus. Joining the organisation at the outset of its finance transformation offers a rare leadership opportunity to define, build and lead the EMEA accounting function within a growing listed group. You will take ownership of regional accounting strategy, lead and develop senior finance leaders, and work in close partnership with Group Finance to set standards for accounting, controls and reporting across multiple jurisdictions.