Mohammed Qasim

Head of Financial Accounting @HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd

Birmingham, GB

Successively promoted at Europe’s largest government-backed rail infrastructure project (£8bn annual spend), I lead a team of 7 and serve as the organization’s technical accounting authority. I oversee month-end close, balance sheet governance, and deliver group consolidated financial reports to the Department for Transport, supporting Whole of Government Accounts. I work closely with cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues, ensure data integrity, and enable informed decision-making across the business.Key Achievements:§ Provided strategic leadership of the Financial Accounting function, overseeing all aspects of external reporting, audit delivery, and technical accounting for an organisation with multi-billion-pound infrastructure assets.§ Built and led a high-performing team of financial professionals, implementing structured development and mentoring programmes that improved capability, engagement, and retention.Responsibilities:§ Provided authoritative advice on complex IFRS matters, drafting and reviewing detailed technical papers covering asset capitalisation, provisions, financial instruments, leases, and insurance contracts.§ Governed financial policies and processes, ensuring compliance with evolving accounting standards, government financial management guidance, and corporate governance requirements.§ Owned the Financial Accounts cost budget (£40–50m) encompassing depreciation, finance costs, and provisions, ensuring robust forecasting, variance analysis, and budgetary control.§ Partnered with senior leadership, Treasury, and departmental finance teams to inform strategic decision-making through insightful financial analysis and reporting.

Coventry University

Bachelor of Arts - BA, Accounting and Finance