Head Of External Reporting

Summary

Join AJ Bell's Corporate Reporting team as the experienced Head of External Reporting, leading the annual reporting cycle. This role requires a proactive leader with deep technical expertise and strong senior-level influence. You will need a thorough understanding of financial principles and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. As a key contributor to this growing FTSE 250 business, you will shape reporting processes and policies. Success in this position demands a proactive approach, thought leadership, and strong relationship-building skills. The role involves overseeing teams, managing external reporting, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 5 years PQE
• Proven leadership and team management skills
• Deep knowledge of financial reporting standards, consolidations, and plc statutory reporting
• Skilled in interpreting complex financial data and technical accounting issues
• Strong judgment, critical thinking, and sound decision-making
• Excellent relationship-building abilities across all levels
• Thrives in fast-paced environments, meeting tight deadlines
• Relevant experience, ideally in a regulated industry; audit experience essential
• Strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Experience in Board/Executive reporting in a listed or equivalent setting
• Exceptional problem-solving, technical skills, and attention to detail
• Highly organised with strong project management skills
• Flexible, motivated, and detail-oriented

Responsibilities

• Maintain a robust external reporting framework aligned with regulatory obligations and business goals
• Ensure timely, accurate production of the Group’s Annual and Interim Reports
• Oversee the Group consolidation process and shape the external messaging of the Annual Report & Accounts
• Manage relationships with external design partners
• Review subsidiary financial statements under FRS101
• Prepare and review period-end papers for the Audit Committee/Board
• Advise on implications of new or changing accounting standards and regulations
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements
• Coordinate the external audit process, ensuring all reporting deadlines are met
• Fully define and document all external reporting processes
• Ensure compliance with TCFD requirements, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions calculations for the Group and Investments business
• Collaborate with Risk on risk assessments, scenario analysis, and net-zero target setting
• Oversee the timely production of the quarterly dashboard and annual Board update
• Lead the drafting of the annual ESG report, incorporating TCFD elements
• Participate in the ESG working group, presenting relevant papers
• Stay informed on current and emerging sustainability standards
• Identify, control, and manage risks within the area
• Maintain a strong control environment with clear escalation processes for issues outside tolerance
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures
• Oversee the Statutory Accounts and Corporate Reporting teams, ensuring an optimal operating model and active succession plans
• Lead, mentor, and develop the external reporting team

Benefits

• Competitive starting salary
• Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 8%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free gym membership, with an on-site gym providing a wide range of free classes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Parking at Exchange Quay
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Talent development programmes
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals
• Hybrid working