Senior Business Development

Description:

Clarks, an iconic global footwear brand with nearly 200 years of heritage, is seeking a high-calibre Global Director of External Reporting & Accounting. This global leadership role will oversee financial reporting, accounting operations, and tax strategy across the UK and Malaysia. The role ensures compliance, statutory reporting accuracy, robust controls, and effective financial governance while shaping the financial infrastructure of a business entering its historic bicentennial year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead global accounting and external reporting teams in the UK and Malaysia

• Oversee timely and accurate financial close processes

• Prepare and consolidate Group statutory accounts under IFRS

• Manage global audits across multiple subsidiaries

• Serve as key liaison with auditors, regulatory bodies, and the Audit Committee

• Prepare accounting judgement papers and deliver financial/tax updates

• Own and maintain the Group Accounting Manual

• Ensure compliance with international accounting standards

• Provide accounting and tax guidance for new market expansion

• Lead corporate and indirect tax strategy, compliance, and planning (including transfer pricing & Pillar 2)

• Support treasury, budgeting, and forecasting with accurate financial insights

• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, controls, and reporting processes

• Partner with parent company on cost reporting and financial governance alignment

Qualifications:

• Chartered Accountant (ACA, CA, or equivalent)

• Strong technical expertise in IFRS, global reporting, and tax strategy

• Experience in multi-jurisdictional financial environments

• Background in Big Four accounting firms strongly preferred

• Proven ability to manage global audits and implement internal controls

• Advanced Excel and experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle)

• Strong commercial, analytical, and governance skills

Desired Characteristics:

• Confident communicator with senior executives and Audit Committees

• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability

• Exceptional stakeholder management and cross-cultural collaboration skills

• High integrity, attention to detail, and strong leadership presence

Additional Requirements:

• Occasional international travel (1–2 times per year)

• Hybrid work setup with flexibility for onsite presence

• Ability to lead international teams across time zones

• Deep understanding of global mobility, compliance, and transfer pricing