Principal Accounting Manager

Overview

In this role you will serve as a technical leader within UK, Ireland and South Africa general accounting, partnering with senior finance to uphold a strong control environment and high-quality statutory and management reporting. You will drive accounting excellence across multiple standards (UK GAAP, IFRS, US GAAP) and lead key projects, including system upgrades and process improvements. The role combines technical accounting mastery with governance, tax and external audit coordination in a complex matrix setup. This position offers influence across regions and opportunities to shape reporting, controls and transformation initiatives.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days holiday (buy/sell up to 5 days)
• private medical insurance
• pension scheme
• subsidized gym
• employee discount portal
• life assurance cover

Responsibilities

• Deputise for financial accounting and reporting across five UK, one Irish and one South Africa entities, ensuring compliance with FRS 102, IFRS, and US GAAP for consolidation
• Lead SOX compliance efforts and continuously improve control frameworks
• Own and optimize critical ADP processes aligning local UK GAAP/IFRS with US GAAP consolidation
• Lead UK GAAP/IFRS trial balance and financial statements for UK entities
• Manage external audit activity and be the primary accounting contact for auditors and internal stakeholders
• Provide technical guidance to junior staff on complex accounting issues (legal entity merger, pension accounting, tax)
• Prepare audit memos on revenue recognition, impairment, going concern, etc.
• Oversee group monthly, quarterly and annual submissions; manage corporation tax and group reporting for relevant entities
• Oversee VAT compliance and coordinate with external tax advisors
• Review Ireland and SA balance sheet reconciliations with UK deputising
• Collaborate with UK Finance and cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
• Lead projects such as business cases, ERP/system upgrades, technical memos and operational reviews
• Drive continuous improvement across accounting processes, controls and systems to enhance efficiency and risk management
• Support management of the Finance Intern and FP&A rotation

Key requirements

• ACA/ACCA (Qualified Accountant)
• UK GAAP/IFRS audit and technical accounting experience
• Experience with international corporate structure and matrix organizations (advantageous)
• Large data handling and Excel proficiency; Oracle ERP and Hyperion Planning experience preferred
• Strong communication, teamwork and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage audit relationships and deliver high-quality audit information
• Experience in consolidation accounting and tax-related areas (corporation tax, pensions, VAT)
• SOX knowledge and control environment improvement experience

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Analytical & problem solving
• UK GAAP/IFRS/US GAAP knowledge
• SOX control framework
• Oracle ERP

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