Accounting Policy Manager

Job description

The Accounting Policy Manager is responsible for leading the development, interpretation and governance of the Group accounting policies and providing high-quality technical accounting advice across the business. The role ensures that complex transactions, new products and changes in accounting standards are assessed consistently and reflected appropriately in the Group's financial reporting. Reporting to the Head of Finance, the role will partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Risk, Compliance, Tax, Treasury, Legal, Operations and Product, as well as external auditors, to support robust financial reporting, strong accounting governance and effective implementation of accounting change. Key Responsibilities: Accounting Policy & Technical Accounting (45%) Develop, maintain and communicate the Group accounting policies, accounting manual and related guidance, ensuring alignment with IFRS and applicable regulatory expectations. Monitor changes to IFRS, relevant interpretations and emerging accounting practice, assessing their implications for the Group and coordinating implementation plans. Lead the formal accounting assessment of complex transactions, products, contracts, restructures, acquisitions and other significant accounting judgements. Prepare high-quality technical accounting papers and recommendations for senior management, governance forums and auditors, clearly documenting key judgements and conclusions. Provide expert advice on areas of significant accounting judgement, including financial instruments, revenue, leases, share-based payments, tax and impairment, as relevant to the Group. Financial Reporting & Audit (25%) Support the Group Financial Controller and Financial Reporting teams on the application of accounting policies and the preparation of financial statements and disclosures under IFRS. Review proposed accounting treatments for material or unusual transactions and ensure conclusions are appropriately reflected in financial reporting and disclosures. Act as a key point of contact for external auditors on technical accounting matters, supporting timely resolution of audit queries and maintaining clear audit trails. Support half-year and annual reporting processes, including the assessment and documentation of significant judgements, estimates and accounting developments. Business Partnering & Accounting Advisory (20%) Partner with Finance, Risk, Compliance, Tax, Treasury, Legal, Product and Operations to provide pragmatic accounting advice on business initiatives and strategic projects. Provide accounting input into new products, systems implementations, acquisitions, disposals, restructures and other change initiatives from design through implementation. Translate complex accounting requirements into clear, practical guidance for finance and non-finance stakeholders, including training and knowledge sharing where appropriate. Challenge proposed treatments where necessary and influence senior stakeholders to ensure accounting outcomes are robust, consistent and appropriately evidenced. Governance, Controls & Continuous Improvement (10%) Maintain effective governance over accounting policy changes, technical accounting papers, key judgements and policy exceptions. Support the design and maintenance of controls over technical accounting and financial reporting judgements, including appropriate review and approval processes. Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, documentation, reporting and control frameworks, contributing to finance transformation and systems improvement initiatives. Remediate control deficiencies pertaining to accounting assessments Leadership and Team Management Provide technical leadership, coaching and support to finance colleagues, promoting consistent application of accounting policies and development of technical capability. Build strong working relationships across the Finance function and foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on quality, challenge and continuous improvement. General Responsibilities Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant IFRS standards, interpretations, regulatory developments and accounting practice affecting the Group. Support the Group's finance transformation agenda and other strategic initiatives as required. Undertake other finance and technical accounting responsibilities appropriate to the role and business needs. KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Qualified accountant (3-5 years post-qual ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent). Strong post-qualified experience in technical accounting, financial reporting or accounting policy, ideally within financial services, a listed company or a Big 4 audit environment. Deep working knowledge of IFRS and strong experience applying accounting standards to complex or judgemental transactions. Experience preparing and reviewing technical accounting papers, accounting policies and financial statement disclosures. Strong understanding of financial instruments and other areas relevant to a financial services environment; experience with IFRS 9 is highly desirable. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex requirements and reach well-reasoned conclusions. Strong financial reporting, controls and governance experience, including the ability to engage confidently with external auditors. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders and confidently question and challenge. Proactive and open to change, with a willingness to simplify, reengineer and improve processes and ways of working. CMC Markets is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age