Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and ensure compliance with accounting standards in a dynamic local government environment.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, known for innovation and strong financial management.
- Benefits: Generous leave, career development, flexible working, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transparency and accountability in local government finance.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with local authority financial reporting experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values inclusivity, ambition, and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
If you are a senior accountant looking for a role with real influence and flexibility, this could be your next step. This newly created role reflects the importance of strong financial reporting, governance and statutory compliance in an increasingly challenging local government finance environment. As our Head of Financial Reporting, you will take strategic ownership of how the Council demonstrates transparency, accountability and value for money, embedding high standards that will endure well beyond annual reporting cycles.
Working closely with senior leadership, your judgement, leadership and technical credibility will be highly visible, trusted and influential at the highest level of the organisation. Bracknell Forest Council is a financially well-managed authority with a strong track record of innovation and improvement. We offer a supportive and professional finance team, flexible and hybrid working arrangements and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the Council’s financial reporting and governance arrangements.
About you
You will be a CCAB qualified accountant with significant local authority financial reporting experience and strong technical accounting knowledge including experience of closedown and audit. You will be confident operating at senior level and able to explain complex financial issues clearly to senior officers and councillors. You will be highly organised and able to motivate others to deliver to tight timescales.
Key responsibilities
- Lead on the preparation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts, including liaison with external auditors
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, codes of practice, and statutory reporting requirements
- Support the s151 Officer in discharging statutory responsibilities
At Bracknell Forest Council, our values - inclusive, ambitious and always learning - shape how we work and how we support our communities. We live these values every day, and if you want to join a diverse, learning focused service that strives for excellence, we’d love to hear from you.
Our benefits
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities
- 1 day paid volunteering leave a year
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club
Interviews will be held on 16 April 2026. Interviews will be held in person, giving you the opportunity to meet the team and get a real feel for our working environment.
Reasonable adjustments
As an inclusive employer, please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments at application. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria.
Head of Financial Reporting in England employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Contact Detail:
Bracknell Forest Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Reporting in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Bracknell Forest Council and understand their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain complex financial issues clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership and technical skills.
✨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 the team at Bracknell Forest Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Reporting in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your CCAB qualification and local authority financial reporting experience to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about financial reporting and how your leadership skills can contribute to our values of inclusivity and ambition. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, don’t shy away from mentioning your experience with closedown and audit processes. We want to see that you can handle complex financial issues with ease.
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 regarding the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Financial Reporting, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting knowledge. Brush up on relevant accounting standards and codes of practice before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in local authority settings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership and the ability to motivate others. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, particularly under tight deadlines. Highlight your experience in liaising with senior officers and councillors to showcase your communication skills.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Bracknell Forest Council values inclusivity, ambition, and continuous learning. Familiarise yourself with these values and think about how your personal values align with them. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to fostering these values within the finance team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think of situations where you've had to navigate complex financial issues or compliance challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.