Head of External Reporting

A tremendous opportunity to join Ayvens UK at an exciting, interesting and challenging time as we push forward with the integration of the UK entities of ALD Automotive and Leaseplan. Arisen, as a result of parental leave this opportunity is offered as a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.    

The departmental remit includes the production of Financial Statements; Tax Reporting; Financial & Strategic Planning; Management Accounts Reporting; Treasury & Cashflow Management; processing of invoices, payments & receipts.    

As the successful applicant it is anticipated you will be a qualified Accountant, a leader of others and an experienced communicator able to operate at all levels. You will possess strong technical expertise with the ability to challenge on complex accounting areas and ideally have experience of working within a regulated environment would be preferred.

Key Purpose

• Efficient delivery of robust external financial reporting

• Compliance with reporting requirements for Companies House, HMRC and the Financial Conduct Authority

• Effective management of relationships with external auditors

• Continuous improvement of financial reporting processes and strengthening of controls

Summary of Responsibilities

• Leadership of Financial Accounting and Tax teams and membership of the Extended Leadership Team

• Oversight of statutory reporting for all Ayvens UK entities, ensuring compliance with Companies House deadlines and good quality of reporting in line with IFRS (including review of technical areas such as operating lease impairment)

• Keep up to date with changes to accounting standards and accepted practices, and ensure that financial information is prepared accordingly

• Effective management of relationship with external auditors, responding robustly to challenges raised to ensure that audit findings are appropriate

• Oversight of tax reporting for all Ayvens UK entities, ensuring compliance with tax legislation and HMRC deadlines

• Responsibility for a portfolio of Permanent Supervision finance controls (controls required by Société Générale as majority owner of Ayvens) – ensuring that these are performed and reviewed effectively and on time, and that any findings or recommendations are implemented appropriately

• Responsibility for fair value assessment of products in line with the Consumer Duty (required by the Financial Conduct Authority)

Skills, Experience & Background

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

• Experience in managing and communicating with a range of stakeholders, including at Board level and beyond the Finance department

• Experience in managing relationships with external auditors, including responding to challenge on complex and judgemental accounting areas

• Experience within a regulated industry required, some experience in audit practice beneficial

• Competent user of Microsoft Excel

• Evidence of developing others by sharing own experience and expertise

What We Can Offer

• Competitive/ Market leading salary

• Generous contributory pension scheme 

• Annual Bonus Scheme (20% potential)

• 25 days holiday, in addition to bank holidays / celebration day

• EV Car Scheme

• Flexible working arrangements

• Volunteering days to assist in charity work

• Sustainability Initiatives 

• Generous Employee Referral Scheme (£1000)

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for an opportunity unless they exactly meet the criteria specified. At Ayvens we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, enjoyable and authentic workplace so if you are excited by this, or any role at Ayvens but your experience doesn’t exactly align, we would encourage you to apply regardless! What’s the worst that can happen?!