Head of External Reporting

Were seeking an experienced Head of External Reporting to join our Corporate Reporting team and lead AJ Bells annual reporting cycle.

This role is perfect for a proactive established leader with deep technical expertise and strong influence at senior levels. Youll need a thorough understanding of financial principles robust leadership abilities and the skill to clearly communicate complex financial and technical information to senior stakeholders.

As a key contributor within a growing FTSE 250 business you will shape the Groups reporting processes and policies. Were looking for someone who thrives on challenges demonstrates thought leadership and can build effective relationships across the finance team and the wider business.

What are the key responsibilities 

Reporting:

• Maintain a robust external reporting framework aligned with regulatory obligations and business goals.
• Ensure timely accurate production of the Groups 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 periodend 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.

ESG & TCFD:

• 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 netzero 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.

Financial reporting controls:

• 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.

Staff management:

• 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.

What youll have:

• 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 decisionmaking.
• Excellent relationshipbuilding abilities across all levels.
• Thrives in fastpaced 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 problemsolving technical skills and attention to detail.
• Highly organised with strong project management skills.
• Flexible motivated and detailoriented.

About us

AJ Bell is one of the fastestgrowing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an awardwinning range of solutions that caters for everyone from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 542000 customers using our awardwinning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than 86.5 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments and by continuously striving to make investing easier we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018 AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol we now have over 1450 employees and have been named one of the UKs Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years.

Our perks and benefits

• Competitive starting salary
• Starting holiday entitlement of 27 days increasing up to 31 days with length of service
• 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 onsite 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
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent management programmes
• 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

At AJ Bell our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. Thats why we offer a hybrid working model where youll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members an initial period will be fulltime in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race sex gender identity sexual orientation age pregnancy religion physical and mental disability marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above or just want to know more about the company and the role wed love to speak to you.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime