Group Accounting Policy & Controls Manager

For a quarter of a century, the Jellycat family have brought joy, wonder and playful fun to people of all ages, in every part of the world. Utterly original and in a class of their own, they are currently among the most loved and collected toys of their kind. How has this gentle tribe endeared themselves to so many? Perhaps it is their whimsical expressions. Or the deliciously soft fabrics. Or the beautiful way in which they sit in your hand. Whatever it is, there is something magical and unmistakeable about each one of them.

We are seeking a technically strong qualified accountant who enjoys bringing clarity, structure and consistency to an evolving finance environment, can form robust accounting judgements, and is passionate about strengthening controls, governance and ways of working across a rapidly growing group.

The Group Accounting Policy & Controls Manager will own the development and implementation of group accounting policies, assess and document accounting treatment for significant transactions and emerging business activities, and drive alignment of financial controls and core finance processes across the group to improve consistency, governance and compliance.

You'll be:

• Acting as the Group subject matter expert for accounting policy and technical accounting matters across the business.

• Reviewing and determining appropriate accounting treatment for new transactions as they arise, documenting conclusions and providing clear guidance to Finance teams.

• Owning the development, maintenance and communication of Group accounting policies, ensuring consistency of application across all entities.

• Identifying areas where financial controls, governance and finance processes require strengthening and developing practical improvement plans.

• Leading initiatives to standardise and align key finance processes, controls and reporting practices across the Group.

• Acting as a key point of contact for technical accounting queries and control-related matters arising through the external audit process.

• Providing coaching and technical guidance to finance teams on accounting policy, controls and best practice.

• Supporting the phased implementation of the Group's new ERP platform by assessing the impact on accounting policies, controls and processes, and ensuring appropriate governance is maintained across business units during the transition to a common Group solution.

You'll have:

• An accounting qualification (ACA or equivalent)

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including a solid and up-to-date understanding of IFRS

• Experience developing and implementing accounting policies and preparing technical accounting assessments within a multi-entity, international organisation

• Experience working with external auditors and managing technical accounting discussions

• Exposure to finance transformation initiatives or ERP implementations would be advantageous

• The ability to balance technical accounting requirements with commercial practicality

• Demonstrable experience improving financial controls, governance frameworks and finance processes

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear and concise documentation

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively where required

• The ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands and drive cross functional workstreams through to completion