W&A is supporting a global organisation in the appointment of a Global Payroll Manager to join its team in Edinburgh. Operating on a hybrid basis (three days per week in the office), this role offers the chance to combine operational leadership with business-critical transformation projects on an international scale. 

The Opportunity 

Payroll is at the heart of employee experience, compliance and operational excellence, and this role sits at the centre of it all. 

As Global Payroll Manager, you'll lead a talented team responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll services across multiple jurisdictions while helping shape the future of payroll operations. Beyond day-to-day leadership, you'll play a key role in driving process improvements, enhancing governance, supporting business integrations and contributing to major transformation initiatives. 

This is an opportunity for an experienced payroll leader to make a genuine impact, influence senior stakeholders and leave a lasting mark on a growing international organisation. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the delivery of accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing across multiple countries and jurisdictions.  

• Ensure all payroll activities meet statutory, tax and regulatory requirements.  

• Oversee payroll funding, approvals, reconciliations and payment governance.  

• Drive continuous improvement across payroll processes, controls and systems.  

• Lead, mentor and develop payroll teams, creating a culture of accountability and excellence.  

• Manage relationships with external payroll providers and drive service performance.  

• Support large-scale payroll transformation and change initiatives.  

• Lead payroll integration activities associated with acquisitions and organisational growth.  

• Strengthen payroll controls, governance frameworks and audit readiness.  

• Partner with Finance, HR, Legal and IT stakeholders to deliver seamless payroll operations.  

• Contribute to strategic global payroll projects and future operating model enhancements.  

About You 

• Extensive experience managing payroll across multiple international jurisdictions.  

• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance and governance requirements.  

• Proven track record leading high-performing payroll teams in complex environments.  

• Experience driving operational improvements, transformation initiatives and process efficiencies.  

• Strong understanding of payroll accounting, controls and reconciliations.  

• Commercially minded with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.  

• Confident influencing and partnering with senior stakeholders.  

• A recognised payroll qualification is essential.  

Package & Benefits 

• Competitive salary.  

• £450 monthly car allowance.  

• Private family medical cover.  

• Hybrid working model.  

• Modern offices with onsite parking.  

• Significant scope for leadership, influence and career development.  

Why This Role? 

• Opportunity to lead a strategically important global payroll function.  

• Play a visible role in business transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.  

• Influence decision-making across an international stakeholder group.  

• Join an organisation investing heavily in people, systems and future growth.  

• Combine operational leadership with strategic project work.  

• Take ownership of a role with genuine impact and visibility across the business.  

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we'll be in touch. Please note, due to a high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.

Company Profile

Our client is a leading UK financial services organisation with a highly regarded finance function and a strong track record of developing finance talent.

This opportunity sits within a specialist technical accounting team that supports complex transactions, new products and strategic business initiatives across the organisation. It offers a unique blend of technical accounting, stakeholder engagement and commercial exposure, making it an excellent platform for someone looking to broaden their experience beyond traditional financial control.

The Opportunity

This is not a typical Financial Control Manager role.

Whilst there is some involvement in periodic reporting activities, the majority of the position focuses on providing technical accounting support and advice across a wide range of business activities. The team is responsible for assessing complex transactions, interpreting accounting standards and helping stakeholders understand the accounting implications of commercial decisions.

The work is varied, fast-moving and often project-based in nature. You could be reviewing the accounting treatment of a major transaction, supporting the launch of a new product, assessing restructuring activity or advising on complex balance sheet matters.

The role offers significant exposure across the business and would suit someone who enjoys problem-solving, learning and working on issues that rarely have a straightforward answer.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical accounting guidance on complex transactions and business initiatives
• Assess the accounting treatment of new products, deals and strategic projects
• Interpret and apply accounting standards across a variety of scenarios
• Partner with finance, commercial and front-office stakeholders to deliver practical solutions
• Review asset transfers, restructuring activity and other significant transactions
• Support accounting policy implementation and governance requirements
• Contribute to periodic reporting and technical accounting assessments
• Drive continuous improvement across reporting processes and controls

Candidate Profile

We are interested in speaking with qualified accountants who enjoy technical accounting and solving complex problems.

You may currently be working within financial control, financial reporting, technical accounting, accounting policy or audit. Experience within financial services or banking would be advantageous, although strong financial services audit experience will also be considered.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• ACA, CA, ACCA or equivalent qualification
• Strong technical accounting knowledge
• Experience interpreting and applying accounting standards
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• A proactive and curious mindset
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a changing environment

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who enjoys learning, embraces new challenges and is comfortable operating outside of a purely process-driven role.

Why Join?

• Exposure to a wide variety of complex accounting and commercial matters
• Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders across the business
• Highly visible role within a specialist technical accounting team
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Genuine variety and intellectual challenge
• Strong long-term career development opportunities
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong accountant seeking broader exposure, greater variety and the chance to work on some of the most interesting accounting challenges within a large financial services environment.

If this role is of interest to you, please contact Jack Ramage at jack@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk or Andrea Green at andrea@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential conversation.

Based in Edinburgh, this is a permanent, predominantly onsite opportunity offering broad exposure across finance, commercial reporting, and business support.

The Opportunity

This is a varied and hands-on position that combines bookkeeping, financial control, reporting support, and business administration. Working closely with senior leadership and an external accounting partner, you will ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and well-structured, while helping to improve processes and support informed business decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of day-to-day bookkeeping activities.
• Maintain accurate records for sales invoices, purchase invoices, supplier payments, expenses, and bank reconciliations.
• Ensure transactions are correctly coded across projects, showrooms, and cost centres.
• Prepare monthly financial data packs for external accountants.
• Act as the primary contact for finance-related queries from external advisors.
• Review management information and support variance analysis.
• Manage daily cash position and maintain cashflow forecasts.
• Monitor customer payments, supplier schedules, and project cashflow requirements.
• Support reporting on project profitability, margins, and showroom performance.
• Assist with financial analysis, pricing reviews, and costing activities.
• Provide business administration support, including supplier coordination and document management.
• Help maintain and improve finance systems, controls, and processes.
• Support VAT compliance activities and maintain audit-ready financial records.

Candidate Profile

• Proven bookkeeping experience, ideally using Xero or a similar accounting system.
• Previous experience working within an SME environment.
• Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
• Organised, methodical, and process-driven approach.
• Comfortable balancing finance responsibilities with wider administrative duties.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with external accountants would be advantageous.
• Exposure to retail, interiors, construction, or project-based environments would be beneficial.
• Ability to provide basic financial analysis and commercial reporting.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to work closely with senior leadership.
• Broad and varied role with genuine responsibility.
• Exposure to commercial and operational decision-making.
• Growing business with ambitious expansion plans.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we'll be in touch.

Please note that due to a high volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

Edinburgh or Glasgow | Hybrid Working | Circa £72,000 + Benefits Allowance

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Manager to join a growing professional services team supporting clients across the Financial Services sector.

This role has been created in response to increasing demand for sustainability and regulatory reporting expertise and offers the chance to help shape and develop a growing capability area within an established advisory practice.

Whilst sustainability reporting forms part of the opportunity, the successful candidate does not need to be an ESG specialist. Strong financial reporting expertise and leadership capability are considered the most important requirements.

The Role

Working as part of a senior leadership team, you will help lead client engagements, develop team capability and support the growth of a specialist reporting and advisory offering.

You will work with a broad range of Financial Services clients and have the opportunity to contribute across sustainability reporting, regulatory reporting, governance and wider risk-related projects.

This is a highly visible role with responsibility for leading people, managing client relationships and helping shape the future direction of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex client engagements across financial and sustainability reporting projects

• Build trusted relationships with senior client stakeholders

• Support the development and growth of a specialist reporting capability

• Manage, coach and develop junior team members

• Contribute to business development and growth initiatives

• Provide technical insight across reporting, governance and regulatory matters

• Support planning, prioritisation and delivery across multiple concurrent projects

About You

We are keen to speak with individuals who can demonstrate:

• A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent)

• Strong financial reporting, statutory reporting or external reporting experience

• Experience operating at Senior Manager level or equivalent leadership responsibility

• Proven ability to lead and develop people

• Strong stakeholder management and client-facing skills

• Excellent planning, organisational and prioritisation capabilities

• A genuine interest in sustainability and evolving reporting standards

Backgrounds of Interest

We would welcome applications from candidates with experience in:

• Financial Services, including insurance, asset management, wealth management or banking

• Professional services, consulting or advisory environments

• Audit, accounting advisory or financial reporting teams

• Regulatory reporting or governance functions

Candidates from other highly regulated sectors may also be considered where they can demonstrate strong reporting expertise and transferable leadership experience.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing area of strategic importance

• Chance to help shape and develop a team and capability area

• Broad exposure to reporting, governance, sustainability and regulatory projects

• Leadership responsibility and genuine opportunity to make an impact

• Flexible hybrid working environment

• Minimal travel requirements

If you are a qualified accountant with strong reporting expertise, leadership experience and an interest in sustainability reporting, we would be delighted to hear from you.

This is a full-time, on-site position, offering the chance to work closely with both finance and operational stakeholders in a hands-on environment. The role has been created to strengthen the existing finance function and support the business through continued growth and process improvement initiatives.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the finance team, you will play a key role in delivering accurate management information, supporting month-end activities and providing valuable insight into manufacturing performance. This is a broad and varied position suited to someone who enjoys working across both financial and operational accounting activities within a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and support monthly management accounts and financial reporting
• Complete balance sheet reconciliations, accruals and prepayments
• Analyse manufacturing costs, variances, scrap and yield performance
• Support costing activities and operational finance reporting
• Assist with ERP reporting and data analysis
• Contribute to the transition and ongoing development of finance systems
• Work closely with operational teams to improve financial visibility and performance
• Support budgeting, forecasting and wider finance projects as required

Candidate Profile

• Part-qualified CIMA, ACCA or equivalent accounting qualification
• Previous management accounting and month-end experience
• Strong reconciliation and financial reporting skills
• Experience working with ERP systems
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities
• Practical, hands-on approach with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working on-site five days per week
• Ability to build effective relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders

Desirable Experience

• Manufacturing, engineering or plant accounting experience
• Cost accounting and variance analysis exposure
• Power BI experience
• ERP implementation or system migration experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central
• Experience analysing manufacturing KPIs including scrap, yield and cost variances

Package & Benefits

• Salary £35,000 – £40,000
• Performance-related site bonus
• Study support towards professional qualifications
• Employer pension contribution
• 30 days annual leave including public holidays
• Early finish every Friday
• On-site parking
• Stable, long-established business environment

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura at laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted

Based in East Kilbride, this is a full-time, permanent, office-based role offering the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influence financial processes, and support a business as it scales through both organic growth and acquisition.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on Financial Controller role within a successful and ambitious business that has recently completed its first acquisition and is continuing to scale.

You'll oversee core finance operations, ensure robust financial controls are in place, and provide accurate reporting to support commercial and operational decision-making across the business. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you'll play an important role in supporting future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Finance team – upskilling and driving continuous improvement across finance processes and controls.
• Lead month-end activities, including accruals, prepayments, and journals.
• Manage purchase and sales ledger activities.
• Oversee supplier payments, customer invoicing, and credit control.
• Complete bank, supplier, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support payroll processing and CIS administration.
• Prepare VAT returns and statutory submissions.
• Analyse project performance, reporting on margin and calculating accrued income.

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience in a broad finance role covering transactional finance and month-end activities.
• Strong accounting systems knowledge, ideally including Xero.
• Excellent Excel skills and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Confident communication skills and the ability to build relationships across the business.
• A proactive approach and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

Desirable:

• Qualified or qualified by experience.
• Knowledge of CIS, retentions, and applications for payment.
• Exposure to ERP or project costing systems.

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Private healthcare.
• Company pension scheme.
• 28 days holiday plus your birthday off.
• Additional annual leave linked to length of service.
• Gym membership discounts and wellbeing benefits.
• Free Apple Watch, Fitbit, or Garmin through wellbeing initiatives.
• Free cinema tickets.
• Free parking.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Why Apply?

• Join a business with ambitious growth plans and a strong market reputation.
• Work closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Take ownership of a broad and varied finance role.
• Gain exposure to acquisitions and business expansion initiatives.
• Enjoy genuine opportunities for professional development and progression.

To learn more or apply, please contact Ross McQuarrie at ross@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we'll be in touch.

The Opportunity
Reporting to senior finance leadership, you will play a key role in the preparation of monthly management accounts and provide valuable financial insight to support operational and commercial decision-making. This position offers broad exposure across core finance activities and the chance to develop your career within a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities
•    Prepare monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
•    Perform balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances.
•    Support month-end and year-end close processes.
•    Assist with budgeting and forecasting activities.
•    Produce financial reports and management information packs.
•    Monitor costs and analyse financial performance against budget.
•    Support cash flow reporting and working capital management.
•    Liaise with budget holders and operational teams to provide financial support.
•    Assist with process improvement initiatives across the finance function.
•    Support audit requirements and statutory reporting processes as required.

Candidate Profile
•    3–5 years’ experience in a Management Accountant or similar finance role.
•    Strong understanding of management accounting principles and month-end processes.
•    Experience preparing accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
•    Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
•    Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
•    Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships across the business.
•    Strong Excel skills and experience working with finance systems.
•    Proactive approach with a willingness to learn and develop.

To learn more or apply, please contact Laura at Laura@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

W&A is supporting a well-established and highly regarded data solutions provider as they appoint a Financial Controller. This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making while leading and developing a high-performing finance function.  

The Opportunity 
This is a pivotal position within the business, partnering closely with the CFO/CEO, Private Equity investors and wider leadership team to drive financial performance, governance, and commercial insight. You’ll operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, supporting growth initiatives, enhancing financial processes, and ensuring robust reporting and compliance in a fast-paced SME environment. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Partner with the CFO/CEO to shape and execute financial strategy aligned to growth and profitability goals  

• Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic planning, investment decisions, and new service development  

• Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts, board reporting, and statutory financial statements  

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cashflow management processes  

• Manage the annual audit and maintain strong relationships with auditors, lenders, and external advisors  

• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP, HMRC, and Companies House requirements  

• Support commercial decision-making, including pricing, bidding, and contract negotiations  

• Evaluate profitability, working capital implications, and risk across new and existing client agreements  

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, ensuring scalable systems and processes  

• Oversee payroll, procurement, expenses, and supplier relationships  

• Strengthen financial controls, governance frameworks, and risk management practices  

• Support funding activities, financial modelling, and scenario planning  

What You’ll Bring 

• CCAB recognised qualified accountant with strong post-qualified experience  

• Proven experience operating in a senior finance role within an SME, ideally private equity-backed  

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to influence strategic decisions  

• Hands-on approach with the ability to balance operational delivery and strategic thinking  

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across all levels  

• Experience supporting commercial negotiations and contract evaluation  

• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and regulatory requirements  

• A proactive, adaptable mindset suited to a fast-paced and evolving environment  

• High levels of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail  

To learn more or apply, please contact Ross McQuarrie at ross@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch. 

W&A is supporting a high-growth consumer goods business as they look to appoint a Financial Controller to join their team in Glasgow (predominantly office-based).  

This is a key hire within the business, offering the chance to operate at both a strategic and hands-on level while supporting an ambitious expansion journey. 

The Opportunity 
This role offers broad exposure across financial control, commercial insight, and operational finance. Working closely with senior leadership, you’ll play a central role in modernising finance processes, improving reporting quality, and supporting business decision-making as the company scales. With significant planned growth over the next few years, this position provides clear progression and long-term impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations, and insightful commentary  

• Provide commercial insight to support strategic and operational decision-making  

• Review and challenge cost base to identify efficiencies and improve performance  

• Strengthen financial controls, governance, and risk management processes  

• Oversee stock accounting and collaborate with operational teams on stock planning  

• Lead budgeting and reforecasting processes with key stakeholders  

• Manage cash flow, including supplier payments and purchasing cycles  

• Own year-end audit processes and ensure tax compliance  

• Support and review financial performance of partner entities  

What You’ll Bring 

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) either practice or industry trained 

• Proven experience in a similar role, ideally in an SME environment  

• Strong track record of delivering robust financial control and insightful reporting  

• Experience managing and developing finance team members  

• Commercial mindset with the ability to influence senior stakeholders  

• Hands-on approach with attention to detail and willingness to get into the day-to-day  

• Proactive, inquisitive, and confident in challenging existing processes  

• Strong relationship-building skills across departments  

Package & Benefits 

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus  

• Share option scheme  

• Enhanced annual leave and option to purchase additional days  

• Private healthcare  

• Employee assistance programme and retail discounts  

Why This Role? 

• Opportunity to shape and modernise a finance function in a scaling business  

• Clear progression pathway towards Finance Director  

• High level of exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making  

• Join a collaborative, fast-paced environment with ambitious growth plans  

To learn more or apply, please contact Ross McQuarrie at ross@wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk for a private and confidential discussion. Alternatively, submit your CV and we’ll be in touch.