Head of Accounting Services

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The Role / Position Overview

This role will be responsible for managing the Accounting Services teams (2 direct reports and +90 indirect reports) consisting of Order to Cash, Procure to Pay and Record to Report workstreams.

The position provides the leadership & direction to enable the successful implementation of the department strategy and initiatives. This role develops and implements strategies that deliver services to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of the business.

Key Responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To manage the delivery of an effective transaction processing service across all Accounting Services operations. Ensuring that high standards of service and effectiveness of processes are maintained. Whilst motivating both direct and in-direct reports to achieve their departmental and personal development goals.
2. Manage the P2P element of the Coupa Phase 2 project design, testing and implementation phases for Accounting Services including areas such as supplier and contract management, purchase ordering and Coupa cloud transition. Leading any team structural changes to further improve service levels.
3. Develop a change management culture across the team. Responsible for delivering change and influencing key stakeholders through effective communication.
4. Develops and executes short to medium term operational plans that are aligned with the business strategy.
5. Manages relationship with key internal and external stakeholders to gather valuable inputs for process improvement initiatives, improve collaboration and performances.
6. Leads the identification, evaluation, approval and execution of operational and accounting system improvements and integration plans.
7. Acts as a primary point of contact of the department for corporate audit activities. Leads the planning and oversee execution of quarterly and annual audits.
8. Establishes and leads the department's talent management strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, learning and development, performance management, and succession planning.
9. Develops annual departmental budget and monitor operating expenses.
10. Participate in corporate development strategy, including leading the onboarding of new acquisitions within the current Accounting Services infrastructure. Along with performing special tasks and projects that may be assigned.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Formal Education and/or Certification:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree in Finance and/or Accountancy or equivalent courses.

Length and Type of Job Relevant Experience:

• A minimum of ten years work experience in receivables/payables management and bank transactions, local and overseas for a multinational company.
• A minimum of three years senior management experience for a team more than eighty employees.
• Experience in mentoring and nurturing existing talent
• Vast experience with promoting a service of excellence and continuous improvements on teams SLA.

Core Competencies:

• Leading Change – Leads and influences change at a functional level across the organisation. Develops detailed project plans to support implementation of major change initiatives.
• Skilled Influencer - Demonstrates the ability to influence to gain the necessary commitment and support from diverse stakeholders in pursuit of organisation value.
• Strategic Focus – Sees the whole picture and implements the changes today that will lead to the integrated, efficient organization desired in the future.
• Motivator – Able to mobilise staff and stakeholders in developing goals, executing plans and delivering results. Laying the groundwork for success by building coalitions with key stakeholders and building momentum by communicating clearly and consistently.
• Effective Communication –Plans and delivers oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive with their intended audiences. Extremely articulate and able to generate enthusiasm within the organization.
• Innovative – Seeks out and evaluates new opportunities and challenges established ways of doing things. Discusses new opportunities with appropriate stakeholders to explore them fully.
• Mentor – Able to identify and nurture existing talent to ensure leadership and management roles have automatic replacements, when need arises. Identify experience\knowledge gaps and plan appropriate training to ensure leadership and management teams are equipped to meet their responsibilities.
• Business Acumen –Performs with insight, keenness and intelligence; a business builder with a hands-on management style and a high sense of urgency.
• Decisive Thinker - Demonstrates the ability to analyse and understand data and information quickly. Uses information, insights and knowledge in a structured way to identify options, make recommendations and make robust, defendable decisions

What's in it for you? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Further Information

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We have implemented a hybrid working model and we also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please send an email to and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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