Senior Finance Manager - Technical Reporting, United Kingdom

Head of Technical Accounting&Group Reporting Location: Bedfordshire (hybrid) Sector: Large, fast‑moving consumer business | Multi‑billion turnover We are supporting a highly recognisable, large‑scale consumer organisation in the appointment of a senior technical accounting leader to take ownership of accounting policy, complex judgement areas, and group‑wide technical guidance. This isa hands‑on, high‑impact role suited to someone who is already the"go‑to"authority on accounting matters within a large listed or private‑equity‑backed environment and who thrives in fast‑paced, high‑expectation settings. The role sits at Head of level and manages a small, experienced team, with significant exposure to senior finance leadership, auditors, and governance forums. The Opportunity As Head of Technical Accounting&Group Reporting, you will act as the single point of technical truth across the Group, ensuring the consistent, accurate, and commercial application of accounting standards while supporting business growth, change, and complexity. You will be trusted to move quickly, form clear positions, and stand behind them, balancing technical rigour with pace and pragmatism. Key Responsibilities Group‑Wide Technical LeadershipServe as the primary authority for technical accounting interpretation across the organisationDevelop clear, defensible accounting positions on complex judgements and transactions, ensuring consistency across entitiesTranslate technical conclusions into concise, decision‑ready papers for senior leadership and governance committeesAccounting Policy&GuidanceOwn and maintain the Group's accounting policy framework, ensuring it remains current, practical, and aligned with evolving standardsDraft and update guidance on complex or judgement‑heavy areas, providing clarity for finance teams operating at speedNew Standards&Regulatory ChangeLead technical assessments of new accounting standards and interpretations, including IFRS 16, IFRS 18, FRS 101 and FRS 102Drive impact assessments and oversee implementation activity across the GroupPrepare high‑quality technical documentation for senior stakeholders and Audit Committee reviewDeliver targeted briefings and training to ensure new requirements are fully embeddedBusiness Change&TransactionsProvide expert accounting input on acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, new commercial arrangements, and evolving business modelsPartner closely with finance, legal, tax, and commercial teams to ensure accounting implications are understood early and executed correctlyJudgemental Areas&GovernanceLead the annual impairment review process, including modelling assumptions, documentation, and auditor engagementOversee the preparation of going concern and viability assessments, ensuring robust challenge and clear articulation of conclusionsAudit&External EngagementAct as the lead technical contact for external auditors on complex accounting mattersManage technical audit interactions efficiently, resolving issues at pace without compromising qualityLeadership&Capability BuildingLead, coach, and develop a team of two technical specialistsBuild technical capability across the wider finance function through structured knowledge‑sharing and trainingFoster a culture of high standards, accuracy, and accountabilityWhat We're Looking For Essential experience:ACA or ACCA qualifiedMinimum 6 years post‑qualification experienceSignificant technical accounting experience gained within a large listed or private‑equity‑backed businessProven track record as the first‑line technical reference within an organisationDeep, hands‑on knowledge of IFRS, with strong exposure to IFRS 16 and IFRS 18,alongside FRS 101 and FRS 102Capability&mindset:Excellent technical judgement with the confidence to take and defend clear accounting positionsAble to operate at pace and precision in a demanding, high‑volume environmentStrong written and verbal communicator, comfortable influencing senior stakeholders and governance forumsCommercially minded, balancing technical correctness with real‑world business needsExperience operating in controlled, scrutinised environments (e.g. listed reporting, auditor oversight, PE settings)Leadership qualities:Proven people manager with the ability to develop and motivate high‑calibre finance professionalsCollaborative operator who builds credibility quickly across finance and non‑finance teamsResilient, adaptable, and comfortable working under pressureWhy This Role?True Head‑of‑level accountability without a bloated hierarchyVisibility across a complex, fast‑moving, multi‑billion‑pound organisationOpportunity to shape accounting policy and influence critical business decisionsA role designed for someone who wants to lead technically, move quickly, and make a real impact