Head of Accounting (UK)

We are looking for a Local Head of Accounting UK, to join our Global Accounting organization. This role is based in Abingdon, UK.

The Local Head of Accounting UK will be responsible for overseeing all accounting activities for the UK legal entities and ensuring the integrity of statutory and management financial reporting. The role acts as the primary finance lead for UK accounting matters and serves as the key interface between the global finance organization and local business stakeholders.

Role: Head of Accounting (UK)

Role Type: Permanent

Salary: Competitive salary, plus excellent company benefits

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Location: Hybrid, Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all accounting activities for UK legal entities, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting

Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes in accordance with group reporting deadlines

Review and approve accounting entries, reconciliations, and local reporting deliverables

Ensure compliance with UK GAAP and IFRS

Oversee preparation and coordination of statutory financial statements and related filings

Act as primary contact for statutory auditors, tax advisors, and UK regulatory authorities

Monitor changes in UK accounting and regulatory requirements and assess business impact

Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX/ICFR requirements, and corporate accounting policies

Maintain a robust and audit-ready local control environment

Support internal and external audits

Ensure appropriate documentation of accounting processes and controls

Partner with Tax, Treasury, Controlling, Procurement, HR, and operational stakeholders on accounting-related matters

Support business initiatives and special projects from an accounting perspective

Provide technical accounting guidance to local stakeholders

Act as escalation point for complex accounting issues and judgmental matters

Drive continuous improvement of UK accounting processes in alignment with global finance transformation objectives

Support implementation of new accounting policies, systems, and process changes

Contribute to harmonization and standardization initiatives across the accounting organization

Lead, coach, and develop the UK accounting team

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

University degree (or equivalent) in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field

ACA qualification (ACCA considered where supported by relevant experience)

Progressive experience in Accounting, ideally within multinational environments and managing teams

Strong knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS

Solid understanding of internal controls, SOX/ICFR frameworks, and audit processes

Experience with ERP systems

Strong technical accounting and analytical skills

Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities

Excellent communication and people leadership skills

Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Company Benefits

Pension on completion of (but not subject to) your 3-month probationary period. Contributions 6% for employees (salary sacrifice) and 6% for the employer. The employee can opt to increase their contribution, and the employer will match the increase up to a maximum of 7.5%.

25 days holiday plus bank holidays and additional length of service days awarded on the anniversary, up to a maximum of 30 days.

Private health insurance with BUPA for the employees and their partner/family under the company scheme.

Private dental cover, after 3 months of service.

Life assurance at four times your annual base salary.

Well being support 24/7 and counselling services.

Permanent health insurance provides 75% of the base salary after the qualifying period.

Eligibility to participate in the Company Bonus Scheme. This is a discretionary benefit.

Cycle-to-work scheme.

Refer a friend scheme, recognition awards and many more!

FR : Dans le cadre de sa politique Diversité, Evotec étudie, à compétences égales, toutes les candidatures dont celles des personnes en situation de handicap.

ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.