At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Finance team, manage financial controls, and provide expert financial advice.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community building and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, private healthcare, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Hybrid working model promotes flexibility and collaboration for a thriving work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance while supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant with significant finance experience in public or multi-disciplined sectors.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join the Finance team in Ipswich, Suffolk. The successful candidate will earn a competitive salary of £53,460 - £63,013 per annum (pro rata for part time). We are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join the Finance team. You will be joining our Finance Team at an exciting time as we look to transform the service we offer to stakeholders and drive forward financial performance. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
This role forms a crucial part of the Finance Management Team, and you will be key to making operational finance decisions. Reporting to the Head of Finance, areas of responsibility will include:
- Assume day‑to‑day management of the Financial Control team with direct responsibility for three and a wider team of eight
- Lead on the delivery of Statement of Accounts and be pivotal in transforming processes ensuring a strong internal control environment
- Provide expert financial advice to the Finance Team and across the organisation
- Develop, review and improve strategies, policies and procedures
- Support the Head of Finance in writing and reporting on the Treasury, Capital and Investment Strategies for both councils
- Work with the Systems team to ensure smooth and timely reporting from the finance system as well as enabling self‑service for managers for budget management and forecasting
About you
You will:
- Be a fully qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA) with significant finance experience, supporting service teams within the public sector or a similar multi‑disciplined sector
- Have corporate financial management experience, able to deliver Statement of Accounts to tight deadlines and liaise effectively with external auditors, providing explanations and answering queries
- Be an excellent communicator with experience of reviewing business cases and financial appraisals providing expert advice and recommendations
- Be comfortable dealing with people at all levels and working in a complex and sometimes challenging operating environment
- Be an experienced team leader, personable and patient with the ability to motivate and provide a positive environment
- Focus on delivery and strive for excellence and continual improvement of the finance service
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. We are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK. The area features 60 conservation areas, two National Landscapes and many picturesque market towns.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years)
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs
- Private Health Care Options
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (business needs permitting)
- Great learning and development opportunities
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 12 June 2026. If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this Senior Financial Accountant role, even if you don’t meet all the requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Senior Financial Accountant. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils offer an exceptional working environment for a Senior Financial Accountant, with a strong commitment to community service and employee well-being. Located in the picturesque Ipswich area, employees benefit from generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive development opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the lives of local residents. Join a collaborative team that values diversity and inclusion, and be part of a transformative journey in public finance management.
Contact Details:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the councils' recent projects and financial strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the community and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around financial management and team leadership. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely keen on joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your qualifications and any relevant financial management experience to show us you're the right fit for the Senior Financial Accountant role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this position and how you can contribute to our Finance team. Share specific examples of your past achievements that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, it’s important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to articulate your thoughts well, especially when discussing your experience with financial appraisals and business cases.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial controls in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've delivered Statements of Accounts under tight deadlines.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to create a positive environment and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is crucial for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you’ve provided expert advice to stakeholders and how you’ve liaised with external auditors effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are passionate about community service. Research their values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to share why you’re motivated to make a difference for residents and how you can contribute to their mission.
