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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the council's accounting processes and oversee the audit process.
- Company: Join a district Council committed to raising standards in local governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with local government experience and leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to transition to a new ERP system and strengthen the finance team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
We have a new opportunity for an experienced Chief Accountant to undertake an ongoing interim contract with a district Council. You will be joining a high calibre team with a passion for raising standards.
This challenge will give you the opportunity to pick up the existing work which has been done on this year’s accounts, leading through the remaining work and Audit process. Beyond that, you will have a chance to reset all elements of the council’s existing technical accounting processes and procedures, interpreting complex accounting standards and ensuring consistent policy application.
The assignment will also ask you to lead on technical matters including asset management, provisions, reserves, and capital accounting at leadership and member level where required; and you will also work closely on the early stages of the transition to a new ERP system, as well as helping strengthen the finance team where needed.
Taking this challenge on requires an experienced Local Government Chief Accountant with substantial local government experience and deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements. You'll be a qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) with a demonstrable mix of proven leadership capabilities and hands-on knowledge of technical detail.
Ready to lead on the application of outstanding financial governance? Apply now.
Chief Accountant employer: Ambient People
Contact Detail:
Ambient People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people already working in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the council's current challenges and expectations, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific accounting standards and regulations that apply to local government. Being able to discuss these confidently during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with ERP systems, especially if you've been involved in transitions before. Highlighting your ability to lead such projects will show that you're ready for the challenges of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by providing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. This will help convey your capability to strengthen the finance team and lead on technical matters effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in local government accounting and your qualifications (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent). Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific projects that demonstrate your technical accounting skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for raising standards in financial governance. Mention your familiarity with statutory accounting requirements and your experience with ERP systems, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in previous roles, particularly those related to audit processes, asset management, and capital accounting. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors, as attention to detail is vital for a Chief Accountant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambient People
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of complex accounting standards. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully interpreted and applied these standards in a local government context.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Share instances where you've led a team or project, particularly in finance or accounting. Emphasise how you motivated your team and ensured high standards were met.
✨Discuss ERP Transition Experience
Since the position involves working on the transition to a new ERP system, be ready to talk about any previous experiences you've had with ERP implementations. Highlight your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to a successful transition.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to asset management, provisions, reserves, and capital accounting. Brush up on these topics and prepare to explain your approach to managing these areas effectively within a council setting.
