Head of Financial Reporting

Job title: Head of Financial Reporting

Company: Michael Page


Job description: Join TGJones (formerly WHSmith’s high street business) as Head of Financial Reporting, leading group consolidation and statutory reporting at a pivotal time of transformation. This is a high-visibility role offering senior stakeholder exposure, hybrid working (in Swindon) and an excellent financial package.As Head of Financial Reporting, you will take ownership of all aspects of group financial reporting and play a central role in delivering accurate, timely, and compliant financial information. You’ll act as a senior point of contact for external stakeholders such as auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, while working closely with the CFO, CEO, and other senior leaders internally.Your core responsibilities will include:Group Consolidation & Statutory Reporting:
Lead the preparation of consolidated financial statements for TGJones and its subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with IFRS and UK statutory requirements. You’ll oversee the year-end process and manage all technical aspects of the group consolidation, including dual reporting under IFRS 16 and IAS 17.External Audit Management:
Manage the full audit process across the group, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of audited accounts and addressing any auditor queries with clarity and precision.Technical Accounting Leadership:
Provide expert guidance on technical accounting issues across the finance function. You’ll also be responsible for maintaining and updating the group’s accounting policy manual and implementing new accounting standards as required.Board & Senior Stakeholder Reporting:
Prepare board reports, financial summaries, and risk analysis that provide insight into group performance and support strategic decision-making at the highest level.Cash Flow & Treasury Oversight:
While not the primary focus, you’ll have oversight of daily cash flow reporting and provide regular updates and recommendations to senior leadership. You’ll also support the management of lender relationships and ensure compliance with debt covenants.Tax Oversight (Light Touch):
Liaise with external tax advisors to support group-wide tax compliance and planning, including corporation tax, VAT, and PAYE. The detailed work is led by the in-house Tax Manager.Banking Relationships:
Support the CFO in managing day-to-day relationships with banking partners, helping to implement treasury policy and mitigate FX and liquidity risks.Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Act as a key partner to departments across the business, ensuring financial reporting supports operational and commercial needs, and contributes to the group’s strategic priorities.Senior leadership position with one of the UK’s most beloved brandsA financial reporting lead working for the CFO of the High St. divisionWe’re looking for a confident and technically strong finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment. You’ll be a qualified accountant with a solid grounding in external reporting and group consolidation, capable of operating with credibility at a senior level.You will bring:Professional Qualifications & Experience:
ACA or ACCA qualified, with ideally 5+ years of post-qualified experience in financial reporting or a technically focused finance role. Big 4 background or audit experience is desirable but not essential.Technical Expertise:
Strong understanding of IFRS and UK GAAP, with experience preparing or reviewing consolidated group financial statements. Familiarity with IFRS 16 and statutory cash flow reporting is highly advantageous.Leadership & Ownership:
Proven ability to take ownership of complex reporting processes, lead audits, and manage competing priorities and deadlines. You’ll be hands-on, proactive, and comfortable driving outcomes.Communication & Stakeholder Management:
A clear and confident communicator, able to build strong relationships across internal teams and with external stakeholders including auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners.Commercial Awareness:
While this is a technical role, a high level of commercial acumen and a broader understanding of business performance is key to success – especially in supporting board-level reporting and insight.Collaborative Approach:
A team player who can support and guide others in the finance function, provide technical accounting advice where needed, and contribute to a positive and forward-thinking team culture.Industry Experience (Desirable):
Previous experience in a retail, FMCG, or multi-entity business is helpful but not essential. Exposure to private equity environments or transformation-led businesses is a bonus.Adaptability & Drive:
You’ll bring energy, resilience, and a problem-solving mindset to a business that’s undergoing positive change – with the ambition to make a real impact as part of a newly revitalised brand.TGJones is the new identity for WHSmith’s high street retail business, following its recent acquisition from a leading private equity investor. With a rich heritage as one of the UK’s most recognisable retail brands, the business is now embarking on an exciting new chapter – backed by this investment, a focused growth strategy, and a renewed commitment to revitalising the high street offering, TGJones combines the stability and scale of an established brand with the energy and ambition of a transformation-led environment, offering an ideal platform for commercially minded professionals to make a real impact.This is a rare opportunity to join a well-known retail brand at a transformative moment, following its acquisition and rebranding as TGJones. You’ll be part of a senior finance team helping to shape the future of the business, with strong leadership support and visibility at board level.The successful candidate will benefit from:Competitive Salary:
Highly competitice base salary, fully reflextive of the seniority and impact of the role.Performance-Linked Bonus:
Generous bonus scheme, linked to personal and company performance.Car Allowance:
Additional car allowance to complement your overall package.Hybrid Working:
Flexible working model with three days per week in the Swindon office, supporting collaboration and balance.Annual Leave & Lifestyle Perks:
25 days’ annual leave plus your birthday off, with the option to trade holidays through a popular holiday trading scheme.Pension & Benefits:
Company pension scheme and access to a range of benefits and discounts, supporting your financial wellbeing and lifestyle.Career Development:
The chance to work closely with experienced leaders in a high-growth, change-focused environment, with opportunities to broaden your responsibilities and grow your career as the business evolves.Inclusive Culture:
A supportive, collaborative workplace where individuality is valued, and diversity and inclusion are at the core of the company’s values.

Expected salary: £85000 per year

Location: Swindon

Job date: Thu, 22 May 2025 04:53:37 GMT

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