Head of Technical Accounting

Responsibilities

• Lead technical accounting assessments and structuring for new transactions, products, significant contracts, and other business initiatives, ensuring effective control processes are in place to address associated risks.
• Ensure finance systems and processes are properly set up to support the operationalisation and implementation of new activities such as products, partnerships, and transactions.
• Take ownership and lead the delivery of the annual report, managing external parties and internal stakeholder inputs, and drive future automation of this process.
• Prepare management judgement papers on accounting matters for the Bank Audit Committee and on occasion attend these meetings to present papers.
• Take ownership of accounting policy development, horizon scanning and implementation including managing the accounting manual and other relevant finance policies.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments in financial and corporate reporting by attending workshops and round tables, representing Zopa's interests.
• Provide expert guidance and advice on the application of accounting policies across the business.
• Lead the approach to ESG and sustainability reporting, keeping pace with evolving disclosure requirements.
• Manage and oversee the work of the Technical Accounting team, including coordinating tasks and supervising the Technical Accounting Specialist - and develop a forward view of this function.
• Lead external auditor engagements on all technical accounting matters.
• Be a key participant and contributor to the Senior Managers Group within Finance, influencing and building relationships across the wider Finance function.

• Qualified accountant with extensive post qualification experience.
• Experience working in the Financial Services sector (preferably retail banking or consumer finance) or trained with a top accountancy firm with financial services experience within a technical accounting role.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑moving environment.
• Work independently, assume responsibility and make own judgements. Ready to take ownership of complex new areas and solve problems with minimal guidance.
• Team player with collaborative and influencing skills. Ability to partner with internal and external stakeholders and strong communication skills.
• Able to demonstrate a questioning mindset and drive operational changes to systems and processes as the business scales.
• Curious about AI and how to deploy it in everyday work.
• Energetic, motivated, and has a passion for excellence and innovation.

• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS 9 (expected credit losses, EIR, hedge accounting), IAS 39 (hedge accounting), IAS 38 (Intangible assets), IAS 36 (Impairment of assets), IFRS 2 (Share‑based payments), IFRS 3 (Business Combination).
• Understanding of the regulatory reporting requirements for banks.
• Understanding of UK taxes and appetite to learn more.

Hybrid role requiring presence at the Manchester office 2‑3 days a week at WeWork, Dalton Place, 29 John Dalton Street, M2 6WF
. Option of working from abroad for up to 120 days a year. Flexible ways of working, work‑life balance, dog friendly office.

Zopa is proud to offer a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to better products for our customers and a unique company culture. We are made up of nearly 50 nationalities, have a DE&I forum, and are proud of our culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work. Our approach to DE&I is reflected in our hiring process so please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Subject to having the right to work in the country of choice.