The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and technically strong Head of Accounting to join a highly acquisitive, international Private Equity-backed consumer services and education business based in London. With an impressive £200m turnover and £40m+ EBITDA, the business is on a rapid growth trajectory, acquiring 5-10 businesses per year and gearing up for an IPO within the next two years. With significant investment and continuous debt and equity raises, this role offers a front-row seat in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
This organisation is recognised as a market leader in its sector and has earned multiple industry accolades for innovation, growth, and employee development. It is known for fostering a people-first culture, investing heavily in its teams, and providing exceptional career development opportunities. The company prides itself on its collaborative, high-energy environment, where employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and contribute to its continued success.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Senior Controller, the Head of Accounting will lead a high-performing team of 8 finance professionals, ensuring best-in-class financial reporting, tax compliance, and system optimisation. The role will partner extensively with FP&A, commercial finance, senior leadership, and M&A teams across international markets, playing a key role in integrating new acquisitions and supporting strategic decision-making.
Key responsibilities include
- Leading all technical accounting, financial reporting, and tax processes in a complex international environment.
- Ensuring compliance with IFRS and statutory accounting requirements.
- Overseeing audit and tax processes, liaising with external advisors and regulatory bodies.
- Enhancing financial systems, controls, and processes to support rapid expansion.
- Acting as a strategic partner to the SLT/Senior finance, FP&A, commercial finance, and M&A teams to drive financial efficiency and business performance.
- Mentoring and developing a talented finance team, fostering a high-performance culture.
The Requirements
The successful candidate will be an ambitious and commercially astute finance professional with:
- A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
- Strong technical accounting expertise, with exposure to audit, tax, IFRS, and statutory reporting.
- Leadership experience, with a track record of managing and developing finance teams.
- Private Equity exposure and experience in a high-growth, fast-paced international environment (highly desirable).
- Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to think on their feet and make sharp, strategic decisions.
- The agility and confidence to operate in a PE-backed, acquisitive, and evolving business.
Why Join?
- Be part of an ambitious IPO journey and play a pivotal role in a transformative period.
- Work alongside an exceptional senior leadership team and industry-leading investors.
- Lead a high-impact finance function, with exposure to strategic projects, M&A, and international expansion.
- Thrive in a people-centric, high-performance culture, with significant scope for career progression.
- This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented finance leader to step into a high-profile role within a fast-growing, Private Equity-backed organisation.