Chief Accountant - London - Office based

Consultant
Nils Lloyd-Penny
Date Posted
26 May 2026
Work Type
Full Time
Start
When available
2794
Permanent
FMCG (drinks / spirits)
£100k base

We are working with a long-established, privately owned international FMCG business (c.£60m turnover) with a strong heritage, excellent reputation and growing global presence.

The business continues to expand internationally alongside its established UK operations and remains in a strong financial position with low staff turnover and a clear long-term strategy.

They are now looking to recruit a new Chief Accountant to take ownership of a broad finance remit, working closely with the owners and senior leadership team in a visible, hands-on role.


This is a broad and hands-on Chief Accountant position with responsibility for leading the UK finance function, alongside oversight of international financial reporting and group consolidation.

You will play a key role in supporting decision-making, improving reporting, strengthening controls and ensuring high-quality financial information across the group.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Leading the day-to-day finance function from the London office
  • Managing and developing a UK-based finance team (4 finance staff)
  • Overseeing and consolidating financial reporting across UK and international operations
  • Preparing monthly and quarterly management accounts
  • Supporting the preparation of statutory accounts and liaising with auditors
  • Ownership of budgeting and forecasting across multiple entities
  • Cash flow management and reporting
  • Providing commercial analysis on sales, margins and business performance
  • Oversight of stock and inventory reporting
  • Managing banking relationships, FX exposure (USD / EUR) and treasury activity
  • Liaising with overseas operations and external advisers to support consistent reporting and group consolidation
  • Supporting the ongoing improvement of reporting, controls and finance processes

International Exposure

  • A key aspect of the role will be oversight of financial reporting across the wider group, including operations in India and China.
  • Local accounting support in overseas jurisdictions is provided through external advisers, with the London finance team responsible for oversight, consolidation and ensuring consistency of reporting across entities.
  • There may be occasional international travel where required.


We are looking for a commercially minded, hands-on finance professional who is comfortable operating in an owner-managed environment.Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)

  • Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
  • Experience in a broad finance role, ideally within an SME or owner-managed business
  • Comfortable operating both strategically and in the detail
  • Experience of multi-entity or international reporting would be advantageous
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders
  • Proactive, adaptable and comfortable driving improvements across reporting and processes

Why Join?

  • Long-established, financially stable business with strong heritage and low staff turnover
  • Broad, hands-on role with real ownership and visibility
  • Direct exposure to owners and senior decision-making
  • International exposure across a growing group
  • Opportunity to shape and strengthen the finance function
  • Long-term progression potential within the group
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   This Vacancy
Ref: 2794
Role: Chief Accountant
Location: London - Office based
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