The Organisation

Our client is a Family Business Office which deals with the private business interests of a well-known entrepreneur and his family (three generations).   Theses interests are primarily commercial property. There are five groups of  companies, two family trusts and other ad hoc entities, about 35 companies in total, not all of which trade.

The Chief Executive is looking to appoint a Group Accounting and Tax Manager to take responsibility for and to ensure a coordinated approach to annual accounts, tax finalisation and filing and board reports. The role is to deal with corporate and business interests and does not include the personal affairs of family members or their personal taxation. The day to day accounting is managed by finance teams to financial controller level.

Primary responsibilities

• Responsibility for comprehensive reporting to the Chairman and Chief Executive on a monthly basis.
• Preparation of quarterly Group consolidated financial statements, monthly consolidated management accounts, and annual statutory accounts for all entities
• Reporting on cash and cash flow management and management of exchange risks (Sterling, Euros and USD) and assistance with managing corporate banking arrangements
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and Management teams to validate monthly reporting
• Ownership of the accounting and reporting processes of Group entities in multiple locations. Maintain and update the Group’s chart of accounts and report generation
• Preparation and control of all inter-company loan balances and third party reconciliations.
• Ensure reporting deadlines are met and audit quality standards are achieved
• Work with software providers on future developments and enhancements included automated reporting
• Liaison with external auditors, including preparation of audit support schedules and working papers in respect of the consolidated Group accounts prepared under IFRS.
• Liaison with external tax advisers and ensure awareness of technical tax and business issues facing the business units. Review, support and challenge the business unit reporting submissions.
• Keep management and business units informed of accounting technical developments and their potential impact
• Take responsibility for IT and computer systems
• Review of banking and other legal documentation

Candidate Profile and range of experience

• Qualified Accountant (CA/ACCA) with minimum 5 years' post qualification experience
• Ideally Big 4 trained
• Strong statutory/technical reporting experience and skills, with good knowledge of IFRS and GAAP
• Strong knowledge of corporate and personal taxation and the taxation of trusts
• Group consolidation experience essential (including multi-currency)
• Strong systems and IT background
• Self-starter, with excellent attention to detail plus good written and verbal communication skills
• Proven track record of performance reporting and deadline management
• Advanced Excel user and proficient in other MS Office products
• Strategic thinker
• Good staff management skills.