Head of Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting London £105,000

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Financial Reporting and Technical Accountancy to join our team, on a full time permanent basis. The role will be for 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The role requires a minimum of 2 days per week working at the London Office SW1H 0DB, with some home working and some travel to other UK sites. Attendance to the London office may increase depending on requirements of the role. 

The Head of Reporting and Technical Accounting is an integral part of the International Finance Team reporting to the Corporate Controller, International. G4S International operates in some 100 countries worldwide reporting through to Allied Universal globally under US GAAP. The role of the Head of Reporting and Technical Accounting is primarily to ensure that the reported numbers are materially correct and accord with the requirements of US GAAP. In that role the Head of Reporting and Technical Accounting must advise over 300 entities around the world the appropriate accounting treatment of transactions, especially, but not limited to revenue recognition and lease accounting as well as acquisition accounting.

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Oversee the consolidated international monthly reporting into the US parent company, with greater focus on the public quarterly and annual reports. The successful candidate will need to review information in the group's consolidation system, oversee the production of necessary reports and notes to the Group accounts and review the submissions and disclosures to ensure they are accurate and in accordance with US GAAP and other reporting requirements
• Advise local entities on the accounting treatment of various transactions, particularly revenue recognition and lease accounting, but also various other areas
• Assist with the accounting for, and integration of, international acquisitions
• Analyse and review monthly reporting packs and analysis documents
• Maintain the Group Finance Manual in accordance with US GAAP
• Provide periodic technical training to the wider International finance function
• Research and draft accounting papers on a variety of subjects under US GAAP for submission to Group Management and the external auditors
• Liaise with external auditors and oversee completion of statutory audits internationally
• Work closely with Regional Finance Management internationally and assist them in ensuring timely reporting under US GAAP
• Work closely with Global Financial Management and ensure there are clear lines of communication
• Successfully manage a small team
• Assist in fostering a strong control environment throughout the international Group
• Work closely with other Group functions (eg Tax, Legal and Treasury) and foster strong working relationships

Key Competencies

• Strong technical accounting skills with the ability to see the big picture, but also dive into detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with key people in the regions, other parts of the organisation and our American owners
• Resilient and able to chase information from a wide range of colleagues in global and diverse cultures whilst remaining positive and polite
• Confident, enthusiastic respectful and articulate
• A self-starter with high energy is essential
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Flexible approach to work

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Formal education to degree level or equivalent
• Full accounting qualification (ACA with good pass record and big 4 training preferred
• Relevant experience of preparing group consolidated accounts (US GAAP preferred, but not essential)
• Very strong technical knowledge. US GAAP preferred, but not essential as long as high level of IFRS knowledge demonstrated·  
• Experience and interest in researching technical IFRS and/or US GAAP accounting issues and writing technical papers to support conclusions
• Ideally experience of a listed and international organisation with diverse cultures

We offer a competitive salary, 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holiays, Company car or Allowance, Pension, life assurance, Private Health Care, non contractual bonus scheme and various employee discount schemes including perks at work.

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