Our Purpose
At Xero, we’re here to help you supercharge your business. We do this by automating routine tasks, surfacing actionable insights and connecting businesses with the right data, advisors and apps. When that happens, we’re not only making life better for small business, we’ll be building a stronger economy that can change the world.
The Head of External Reporting is responsible for ensuring that Xero’s financial information is of the highest standard and prepared in a timely manner. The incumbent will lead a team of accountants, Xero’s technical accounting, group financial statements and audit processes. They will enjoy implementing new processes or ways of working that create efficiencies, and will have a great eye for detail. Reporting into the GM External Reporting, this role will build strong cross-functional relationships and become a trusted advisor to the business in the critical area of reporting and compliance.
What you'll do
Develop and manage Xero’s financial reporting to respond to changes to the Group and the environment in which it operates, ensuring a rigorous process with appropriate controlsDrafting of audit and risk committee papers as it relates to key accounting judgementsManage the half year, year end and foreign subsidiary financial statement processes, including project managing across the wider accounting team to ensure accurate disclosuresEnsure that documents produced meet rapidly evolving compliance requirements, conform to the high standards of accuracy and writing quality expected for these high-profile market communications, and are produced within the tight timeframes requiredManage the audit process, and be the key liaison with external auditors for half year review and year end audit processesManage a team of accountants who are responsible for Xero’s technical accounting, including but not limited to hedge accounting, software capitalisation, revenue recognition, leases, goodwill impairment testing, including oversight of these areas through month end activitiesManage the program of work to ensure Xero maintains a robust control environment, including regular reporting to the internal assurance team and the audit committeeHave a strong understanding of IFRS, with ownership of technical accounting areas, including technical accounting analysis and memo writing, providing management with conclusions, suggestion solutions and identifying risksTake initiative, drive change & continuous improvements across the team and wider functionParticipate in significant corporate or company-wide finance projects and initiatives as directed by the EGM - Accounting and GM - External Reporting
What you'll bring with you
10+ years’ experience in finance roles, either in a large corporate or big 4 accounting firmStrong understanding of accounting principles, standards and processesAppropriate qualification, for example CA or equivalentExceptional attention to detail and accuracyProblem solving skills and proven ability to manage multiple deliverables simultaneouslyStrong planning, organisational and self management skillsA genuine team player who works collaboratively with and contributes to the function of a high performing teamExceptional communication and presentation skills in both formal and informal settings
Why Xero?
Offering very generous paid leave to use however you’d like (plus statutory holidays!), dedicated paid leave to care for your physical and mental wellbeing as well as an Employee Assistance Program to access mental health care for you and your family, health insurance, life insurance, and income protection, wellbeing and sports programmes, employee resource groups, 26 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers, an Employee Share Plan, beautiful offices, flexible working, career development, and many other benefits that reflect our human value, you’ll do the best work of your life at Xero.
