Head of Technical Accounting
Initial 6-months FTC with strong view to permanent
£120,000 – £130,000 + benefits
London | Hybrid (3 days office)

The Role

Arthur Financial are working with a high-growth insurance brokerage who are seeking an experienced Head of Technical Accounting to join the Group Finance function during a period of continued growth and acquisition activity.

This role will initially be offered on a fixed-term basis, with a clear intention to convert to permanent for the right individual.

The successful candidate will act as the technical authority across the Group, leading on M&A accounting, complex UK GAAP judgements, audit-facing technical papers, and senior stakeholder engagement.

This is a hands-on leadership role, suited to someone who combines deep technical expertise with the gravitas to operate at Audit Committee and Board level.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Accounting Leadership
*Act as the Group’s senior technical accounting lead across UK GAAP (FRS 102/103)
*Own and maintain the Group Accounting Manual, ensuring consistent application across all entities
*Provide authoritative guidance on complex accounting matters and judgement areas

M&A / Acquisition Accounting (Core Focus)
*Lead acquisition accounting and purchase price accounting, including:
*Day 1 balance sheet recognition
*Policy alignment adjustments
*Deferred and contingent consideration
*Goodwill and intangible recognition
*Partner with external advisers and auditors on technical M&A matters
*Support post-acquisition integration from an accounting and controls perspective

Technical Papers, Impairments & Share-Based Payments
*Draft, review, and defend technical accounting papers for auditors, Audit Committee, and Board
*Lead goodwill and intangible impairment reviews, including assumptions, modelling, and documentation
*Oversee share-based payment accounting, working with external valuers and Company Secretariat
*Review and challenge complex estimates and judgements across the Group

Audit & Statutory Reporting
*Act as the primary technical contact for external auditors
*Support production and review of UK and Jersey statutory accounts
*Present and explain technical matters to Audit Committee and senior leadership

Essential Experience (Non-Negotiable)
*ACA / ACCA qualified
*Proven experience operating at Head of / Senior Technical Accounting level
*Strong M&A and acquisition accounting background
*Demonstrable experience writing and defending technical accounting papers
*Hands-on ownership of:
*Share-based payments
*Goodwill and impairment reviews
*Deep UK GAAP expertise (insurance / brokerage / financial services strongly preferred)
*Comfortable operating in acquisitive, fast-paced group environments