Senior Accounting Manager (Head of GL Accounting)

Job description

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors. Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 850 experts from 69 countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting-edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success. As the Head of General Ledger (GL), you will oversee the global accounting team and function, ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial data across multiple international legal entities. You will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting, while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and accounting standards, including IFRS. This is a high-impact role with meaningful ownership across the global accounting function. You will lead a team of 5–6 General Ledger Accountants and oversee the day-to-day accounting operations across the Group, including General Ledger, fixed assets, payroll, and related activities. You will work closely with teams across Finance and the wider business, including AP and AR leaders, FP&A, Treasury and Tax. The role will also focus on improving and standardising accounting processes, introducing automation, and ensuring our systems and ways of working continue to scale with the growth of the business. ### Responsibilities - Manage a team of 5–6 direct reports (General Ledger Accountants). - Oversee and manage the daily operations of the accounting department, including GL, fixed assets, payroll, VAT etc. - Oversee the General Ledger for all Group entities. - Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes. - Ensure compliance with all statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements. - Author and maintain definitive position papers on accounting treatments. - Liaise with external auditors during Group audit processes. - Drive process improvements, automation, and standardisation within the accounting functions. - Ensure accounting systems and processes scale with business growth. - Collaborate with AP and AR leaders, FP&A, Treasury, Tax, and other departments on cross-functional initiatives. - Implement an empowered delegation framework, pushing operational tasks to the team to free up strategic bandwidth for process innovation. - Provide structured support and clear guidance to a growing international team, serving as a mentor for junior members and new hires. - Support the Finance Director with ad hoc financial analysis and strategic initiatives. ### Skills and Experience - 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience leading accounting teams within a multinational, multi-entity environment. - 5+ years of experience managing and developing global teams. - Strong technical accounting knowledge, with a solid understanding of IFRS/GAAP and consolidation principles. - Experience overseeing accounting across multiple international legal entities. - Experience working within a multinational or Group structure. - Good understanding of tax implications and transfer pricing. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills, with a high level of attention to detail. - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with stakeholders across Finance and the wider business. - A hands-on, pragmatic, and collaborative approach, with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment. - Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and consistently meet deadlines. ### Nice to have - Experience in external audit or within a finance shared service environment. - Big 4 experience. - Professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, or CA. - Experience working with NetSuite.