Head of Technical Accounting

Initial 6-months FTC with strong view to permanent London | Hybrid (3 days office) The Role Arthur Financial are working with a high-growth insurance brokerage who are seeking an experienced Head of Technical Accounting to join the Group Finance function during a period of continued growth and acquisition activity. This role will initially be offered on a fixed-term basis, with a clear intention to convert to permanent for the right individual. The successful candidate will act as the technical authority across the Group, leading on M&A accounting, complex UK GAAP judgements, audit-facing technical papers, and senior stakeholder engagement. This is a hands-on leadership role, suited to someone who combines deep technical expertise with the gravitas to operate at Audit Committee and Board level. Key Responsibilities Technical Accounting Leadership Act as the Group’s senior technical accounting lead across UK GAAP (FRS 102/103) Own and maintain the Group Accounting Manual, ensuring consistent application across all entities Provide authoritative guidance on complex accounting matters and judgement areas M&A / Acquisition Accounting (Core Focus) Lead acquisition accounting and purchase price accounting, including: Day 1 balance sheet recognition Policy alignment adjustments Deferred and contingent consideration Goodwill and intangible recognition Partner with external advisers and auditors on technical M&A matters Support post-acquisition integration from an accounting and controls perspective Technical Papers, Impairments & Share-Based Payments Draft, review, and defend technical accounting papers for auditors, Audit Committee, and Board Lead goodwill and intangible impairment reviews, including assumptions, modelling, and documentation Oversee share-based payment accounting, working with external valuers and Company Secretariat Review and challenge complex estimates and judgements across the Group Audit & Statutory Reporting Act as the primary technical contact for external auditors Support production and review of UK and Jersey statutory accounts Present and explain technical matters to Audit Committee and senior leadership Essential Experience (Non-Negotiable) Proven experience operating at Head of / Senior Technical Accounting level Strong M&A and acquisition accounting background Demonstrable experience writing and defending technical accounting papers Hands-on ownership of: Share-based payments Goodwill and impairment reviews Deep UK GAAP expertise (insurance / brokerage / financial services strongly preferred) Comfortable operating in acquisitive, fast-paced group environments #J-18808-Ljbffr