Senior Accountant

About us

S.F.E. Group is a fast-growing international industrial group specializing in fabrication, welding and portable machining solutions. Operating through a portfolio of leading brands across multiple countries, we support customers in a wide range of industrial sectors while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced, commercially minded, and technically strong Senior Accountant to lead the finance function of the UK subsidiary of our group. The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with significant experience in financial control, statutory reporting, tax compliance, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and business partnering.

This is a senior leadership role requiring the ability to operate strategically while maintaining rigorous financial governance and control. The Senior Accountant will ensure compliance with UK regulatory requirements and group reporting standards while supporting operational and commercial decision-making across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Control

Lead and manage all UK finance operations.

Maintain a robust financial control environment and ensure compliance with company policies.

Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.

Ensure accurate and timely management reporting to UK and Group leadership.

Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Drive continuous improvement of finance processes and systems.

Group Reporting

Deliver monthly and annual reporting packages in accordance with Group reporting requirements.

Ensure compliance with IFRS and UK GAAP as required.

Coordinate reporting requirements with international finance teams.

Prepare board packs, financial analysis, and executive presentations.

Statutory Accounts & Compliance

Ensure compliance with UK Companies Act requirements.

Oversee external audits and manage relationships with auditors.

Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and corporate governance standards.

Budgeting

Lead annual budgeting and strategic planning processes.

Provide insightful variance analysis and performance reporting.

Support long-term business planning and investment decisions.

Team Leadership

Build and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, HR, Group Finance and external auditors.

Coordinate cross-functional initiatives to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective decision-making.

Act as the key finance contact for statutory auditors, tax advisors and other external partners while fostering a collaborative approach across the business.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or Equivalent internationally recognized qualification

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related discipline.

Essential Experience

10+ years of progressive finance experience.

Minimum 5 years in a senior Financial Controller, Head of Finance, or Finance Director-level role.

Strong statutory reporting and audit management experience.

Proven leadership of finance teams.

Experience working with ERP systems and sophisticated reporting environments.

Experience in a manufacturing environment would be an advantage.

Technical Skills

Knowledge of UK GAAP and IFRS.

Understanding of UK taxation and regulatory requirements.

Experience of budgeting, forecasting, and performance management.

Strong internal controls and risk management expertise.

Advanced Excel and financial systems capability.

Personal Attributes

High integrity and professional credibility.

Strong commercial acumen.

Strategic thinker with attention to detail.

Excellent leadership and influencing skills.

Confident communicator with board-level presence.

Compensation & Benefits

Location: Stockport (Greater Manchester), UK

Salary: £50,000–£65,000 per annum, depending on qualifications, experience and skills.

Statutory workplace pension scheme.

25 days’ annual leave plus 8 public holidays.