Head of Financial Accounting

Position: Senior Financial Accountant Location: Woking, England (Hybrid, on-site as required) Salary: £550–£600/day Start: ASAP Role Overview: Provide senior financial leadership for the Pension Fund, managing fund accounting, reporting, controls, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. Hands-on role supporting year-end processes and business-as-usual operations. Key Responsibilities: * Maintain robust financial controls, reconciliations, and compliance. * Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow operations. * Oversee pension fund accounts, annual report preparation, and audit readiness. * Prepare and present financial reports for committees and senior leadership. * Lead a small finance team; provide direction, support, and prioritisation. * Deputise for Head of Pensions – Resources as needed. Essential Experience: * Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIPFA). * Strong LGPS/public sector finance experience. * Skilled in financial systems, data analysis, modelling, and reconciliations. * Able to interpret and communicate complex financial information effectively. Leadership & Delivery: * Proven ability to lead finance teams and stabilise operations. * Strong stakeholder management across finance, auditors, and external partners. * Confident in presenting financial insights to non-finance audiences. * Highly organised, proactive, independent, and delivery-focused. Ideal Contractor: * Immediately available or short notice. * Comfortable with senior autonomy and fast-paced delivery. * Able to stabilise workloads and improve clarity quickly