Head of Financial Accounting

Position: Senior Financial Accountant
Location: Woking, England (Hybrid, on-site as required)
Salary: £550–£600/day
Start: ASAP

Role Overview:
Provide senior financial leadership for the Pension Fund, managing fund accounting, reporting, controls, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. Hands-on role supporting year-end processes and business-as-usual operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain robust financial controls, reconciliations, and compliance.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow operations.
• Oversee pension fund accounts, annual report preparation, and audit readiness.
• Prepare and present financial reports for committees and senior leadership.
• Lead a small finance team; provide direction, support, and prioritisation.
• Deputise for Head of Pensions – Resources as needed.

Essential Experience:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIPFA).
• Strong LGPS/public sector finance experience.
• Skilled in financial systems, data analysis, modelling, and reconciliations.
• Able to interpret and communicate complex financial information effectively.

Leadership & Delivery:

• Proven ability to lead finance teams and stabilise operations.
• Strong stakeholder management across finance, auditors, and external partners.
• Confident in presenting financial insights to non-finance audiences.
• Highly organised, proactive, independent, and delivery-focused.

Ideal Contractor:

• Immediately available or short notice.
• Comfortable with senior autonomy and fast-paced delivery.
• Able to stabilise workloads and improve clarity quickly.