At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and transform processes for impactful community service.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to building vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work environment that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance while enjoying a supportive work culture.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant with strong finance experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 63013 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our 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).
Join our 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, with:
- 60 conservation areas
- Two National Landscapes
- Many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
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 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 wellbeing. Located in the picturesque Ipswich area, employees benefit from generous leave entitlements, a competitive pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance. The councils prioritise professional development and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to grow your career while contributing to the betterment of local communities.
Contact Details:
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of public sector finance. Be ready to discuss how you can transform processes and improve financial performance – that’s what they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've motivated a team or improved a process. They want someone who can lead the Financial Control team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome Finance team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in corporate financial management and delivering Statements of Accounts. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining our Finance team and how you can contribute to transforming our services. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a fully qualified Accountant, make sure to prominently display your qualifications (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA) in your application. We’re keen to see how your credentials match the requirements of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
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 managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your experience in creating a positive work environment and how you handle challenges.
✨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.
