Head of Accounting
// Role Summary
Airbus Helicopters UK is seeking a Head of Accounting to oversee end-to-end finance operations, ensure statutory compliance, and manage a team of four. This permanent role requires strong leadership and detailed knowledge of SAP and FRS102.
// Key Responsibilities
- Oversee end-to-end finance operations, including financial analysis and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Ensure statutory accounts comply with UK GAAP & IFRS and manage audit preparation.
- Prepare and finalize statutory accounts, corporation tax packs, and VAT returns.
- Manage a team of four, overseeing Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and payroll.
- Define and ensure adherence to financial controls, policies, and improve financial systems.
- Requires SC clearance and a BPSS check, with a minimum of five years residency in the UK.
// Role Specification
About Airbus Helicopters UK (AHUK)
Airbus Helicopters is the world’s largest helicopter manufacturer, with its Oxford Airport site serving as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. AHUK offers extensive experience in helicopter sales, bespoke completions, maintenance, and spares support, including in-house engineering capabilities for design, customisation, installation, flight-testing, certification, technical support, maintenance, training, and spares supply for both civil and military applications.
AHUK is the MoD’s chosen provider of helicopters and maintenance for its No.1 Helicopter Flying school (MFTS), located at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley.
The Opportunity: Head of Accounting
As the Head of Accounting, you will be responsible for overseeing end-to-end finance operations, conducting financial analysis, performing balance sheet reconciliations, and identifying improvements to procedures and controls. You will also oversee all audits.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for financial statements.
- Ensure statutory accounts comply with UK GAAP & IFRS.
- Act as the primary liaison for audit preparation and auditors.
- Issue accurate and timely monthly financial accounts.
- Ensure monthly routines for financial closing and balance sheet reconciliation are maintained.
- Responsible for the preparation of data for reporting.
- Prepare the deferred tax pack for Group accounting annually.
- Communicate any financial changes required by Group to the department.
- Prepare and finalise statutory accounts and ensure compliance with regulatory authority requirements.
- Prepare Corporation tax packs for tax advisors.
- Ensure VAT returns, payments, and other statutory reports (e.g., ONS surveys) are delivered by specified deadlines.
- Collaborate with other departments regarding customs tariffs, import VAT, and duty.
- Ensure the banking database (eBam) is maintained and bank mandates are updated.
- Maintain Companies House data for director appointments and annual returns.
- Manage the Accounting department of four people.
- Develop a strong customer focus within the department.
- Oversee Accounts Receivable and cash collection.
- Oversee the Accounts Payable function, including payments.
- Oversee the payroll process and associated reporting (sub-contracted to Airbus).
- Ensure appropriate financial controls are defined and compliance is adhered to.
- Write and edit Financial policies and improve financial systems, processes, and procedures.
- Liaise with the IT department on all accounting software and financial issues.
- Contribute to Treasury & Management reporting.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Essential: Detailed knowledge of SAP and FRS102. Professional, trustworthy, able to define priorities, be a leader and team player, self-starter, and positive attitude. Excellent communication skills for various audiences.
- Desirable: A foreign language (French or German) would be beneficial.
Education, Qualifications or Training:
- Essential: Professional accountancy qualification such as ACA or ACCA.
Culture and Wellbeing at Airbus
- Inclusive Space: A dedicated Multi-Faith Prayer Room is available for quiet, private prayer.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access 24/7 confidential support, counseling, and resources for professional and personal life.
- The Canteen Hub: A dedicated space to take a break with on-site vending machines.
- Fuel Your Day: Complimentary tea and coffee are provided throughout the day.
Additional Requirements:
- This position is subject to National Security Vetting. Candidates must be able to obtain SC clearance, which generally requires having lived in the UK for the last five years.
- All successful applicants will also undergo a mandatory BPSS check.
- Applicants must meet any/all requirements of Export Compliance Regulations.
- All candidates must possess the current, legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Airbus will not be able to offer sponsorship for any employment Visas.
Company Benefits:
Airbus offers a competitive base salary and a robust suite of benefits designed to support your health, wealth, and lifestyle:
- Holiday Allowance: Annual leave entitlement grows with service, rewarding commitment with an extra day of leave for each year of service (up to an additional 4 days).
- Health: Private Medical Insurance (Bupa), with options to add family members. Health-care Cash Schemes and Den-Plan are also available.
- Future Wealth: Up to 8% Company Pension contribution (when you contribute 6%), Yearly Share Incentive Plans, and Discretionary Group Bonuses.
- Everyday Savings: Access to exclusive shopping discounts and a cashback card.
- Lifestyle: Bikes to Work scheme (up to £3,000), Mydrive car purchase scheme, and Technology purchase schemes.
- Added Protection: Personal Accident Insurance, Health-care Cash Schemes, and professional Financial/Legal advice.
- Refer a Friend Scheme: A generous Referral Bonus is offered for successfully placed candidates.