Technical Accounting Controller

Job Description

Michael Page are partnering with a reputable Venture Capital and Insurance Firm to assist them in hiring a Technical Accounting Controller for their Central London team based in the Cannon Street area.The main company this role looks after is a large (circa 12,000 employees and growing), acquisitive and highly complex private-equity backed group. The primary focus of this job is on resolving business issues (application, not just theory). This role requiresa technically-minded person who is delivery-focussed and a doer, as well as someone who is details-focussed and is comfortable with maintaining a general ledger and statutory accounts (for circa three companies).DescriptionThis Technical Accounting Controller role will be responsible for - Financial Services:

1. Investment entity accounting for The Group, including fair valuing its investment in one of its main companies and its other investments (which include insurance and venture capital share investments, and loans/ convertible loans);
2. Maintaining the books and records of The Group, including general ledger postings and preparation of annual statutory accounts;
3. Assisting one of its main companies with Technical Accounting Advisory team as required, which may include:

• Revenue recognition;
• Lease accounting;
• Acquisitions/disposals accounting (the company is highly acquisitive);
• Goodwill impairment;
• Transitioning subsidiaries from FRS 102 to FRS 101;
• Financial statements review;
• Group accounting policy manual; and
• Numerous other complex accounting matters.

Key Role Accountabilities:

• Functional knowledge/ technical knowledge:
• Knowledge of regulatory, tax, legal and accounting matters, in particular technical accounting and ideally valuations or investment entity accounting.
• Working to deadlines.

• Business Expertise:
• Effective written and oral communication skills, so as to be able to communicate complex issues in a simple manner.
• Ability to challenge, enquire and analyse.
• Ability to apply existing skills to other tasks as required.

• Driving continuous improvement and innovation:
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to present information in a concise, efficient and professional manner to senior management.

• Building self-insight & relationships:
• Strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

ProfilePerson Specification for this Technical Accounting Controller role - Financial Services: Essential:

• ACA, fully qualified, with significant post-qualification experience.
• Big 20 (within external audit) and industry experience.
• IFRS technical accounting/accounting policy experience.
• Ability to write well, and strong communication skills generally.

Desirable:

• Valuations and/or investment entity accounting experience.
• FRS 102/ FRS 101 experience.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Initiative, proactivity, enquiring approach, resourcefulness.

• Adaptability, ability to embrace and respond positively to change.
• Analytical and investigative skills, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, individually and collaboratively.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Integrity and assertiveness when dealing with complex and/or business critical issues.
• Flexibility of working practices, priorities and hours to meet business demands.

Job OfferOn offer for this Technical Accounting Controller role - Financial Services:

• Attractive package and bonus
• The opportunity to work for a highly regarded Venture Capital and Insurance Firm