Technical Accounting & External Reporting Compliance Senior Manager
Primark is an international clothing retailer employing more than 70,000 colleagues across 16 countries in Europe and the US. Founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penney’s brand, Primark aims to create maximum joy at minimum cost – less money and less impact on the planet. Primark continues to expand across new and existing markets with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026. Every person impacts the culture at Primark.
Location: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
This role will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of external financial statutory reporting and compliance with accounting standards across Primark. The Senior Manager will lead on technical accounting matters, ensure the preparation of high‑quality statutory financial statements and support audit processes across all entities.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
* Own the preparation of statutory financial statements in accordance with relevant local GAAP or equivalent and/or IFRS, working closely with internal teams and external partners.
* Act as the company’s subject‑matter expert on technical accounting matters, advising on complex accounting areas and documenting these appropriately for internal and external parties at a senior level.
* Provide accounting guidance and support to finance teams and the business as appropriate.
* Liaise directly with the board of directors across all Primark entities and ensure board material is prepared to the highest standards.
* Ensure consistent application of accounting policies and accurate financial reporting and disclosure.
* Coordinate with external auditors, particularly on complex technical accounting items, financial disclosures and statutory reporting matters.
* Monitor changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements across all entities, proactively assessing and addressing their impact.
* Work closely and partner with ABF finance colleagues on technical accounting and statutory reporting matters.
* Drive improvements in reporting processes and controls, working closely with external statutory reporting partners, tax, external auditors and ABF, including enhancements to statutory reporting cycles.
* Drive best‑in‑class process improvements benchmarking against peer companies and exploring latest technologies to advance automation of the statutory reporting cycle.
* Contribute to broader finance transformation projects, particularly those impacting financial reporting and compliance.
* Collaborate closely with tax, FP&A, group accounting, legal and ABF to ensure alignment between statutory and management reporting.
* Support policy development, accounting papers and board and/or audit committee reporting as needed.
* Ensure timely preparation and submission of all statutory accounts and compliance requirements for Primark.
* Serve as the primary finance liaison for external party coordination related to statutory reporting compliance, providing leadership, oversight and escalation support to ensure service performance and process compliance.
* Design and implement improved workflows, controls and standard operating procedures.
* Lead and support projects across Finance working with Technology, Finance Transformation and other finance and business stakeholders.
* Support transformation initiatives including automation, self‑service tools and integration with finance systems and applications.
* Develop and monitor relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness and efficiency of the statutory reporting processes, driving continuous improvement initiatives based on data‑driven insights.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
* Qualified accountant with 7+ years progressive experience working in an external reporting and technical accounting focused role, ideally in the retail industry, demonstrating a strong understanding of technical accounting and reporting regulations.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders, manage cross‑functional relationships and act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders.
* Strong knowledge of relevant accounting standards (IFRS), regulatory requirements and internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO).
* In‑depth experience with Oracle ERP systems.
* High level of commercial and financial acumen with the ability to formulate and clearly communicate analysis, insight and recommendations for future strategies.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver standardisation of processes in a complex operational environment.
* Experience in large‑scale process transformation or automation.
* Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills, with a proactive and results‑oriented mindset.
* Demonstrates strong project management skills, including planning, prioritisation, execution and timely delivery against established timelines.
* Effectively handles deadlines while consistently delivering high‑quality results.
* Commercial awareness and mindset, with the ability to demonstrate a sound knowledge of wider business.
Primark promotes equal employment opportunity; we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.
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