At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee budget management for a forward-thinking local authority.
- Company: Join Clackmannanshire Council, a progressive local authority with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape public sector finance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence within a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and drive meaningful change in the community.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with senior managerial experience in finance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Your new company Hays are delighted to be working exclusively once again with Clackmannanshire Council to recruit a Chief Accountant, offering a unique opportunity to join a forward‑thinking local authority at a senior level. Based at Kilncraigs with hybrid working options, this role sits within the Finance and Revenues Service and plays a critical part in supporting the effective administration of the Council's financial affairs.
Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic and operational leadership of finance services, helping to ensure they remain fit for purpose, innovative, and aligned to the Council's long‑term objectives.
Your new role As Chief Accountant and Deputy (Section 95 Officer), you will operate as a senior member of the extended Management Team, providing leadership, direction, and oversight across the accountancy function. You will support and deputise for the Chief Finance Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities, including those aligned to the Section 95 role, and will play a central part in ensuring the Council's financial governance and controls are robust and effective.
You will take responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the Council's budget strategy, managing the annual budget‑setting process, and ensuring the organisation maintains a balanced financial position. The role will also involve overseeing the preparation of statutory financial statements and working closely with external auditors during the annual audit process.
In addition, you will ensure strong financial management practices are embedded through effective monitoring, reporting, and control of revenue and capital budgets. In this position, you will lead and develop high‑performing finance teams, provide strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members, and contribute to key areas such as treasury management, governance, and financial strategy. You will also support major projects, business cases, and investment decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering best value for the organisation. A strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and service transformation will be central to your approach.
What you'll need to succeed To succeed in this role, you will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant experience operating at a senior managerial level within a financial environment. You will bring strong technical accounting expertise, including the preparation of statutory financial statements, alongside a proven track record of developing strategic financial plans and managing complex revenue and capital budgets.
You will demonstrate strong leadership capability with experience of managing and developing teams, as well as excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to build credibility with senior stakeholders and provide effective financial advice. A sound understanding of governance, financial controls, and regulatory frameworks is essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines within a complex and demanding environment. Experience within the public sector, including knowledge of local government finance or working within a political environment, would be advantageous, as would exposure to treasury management and organisational transformation initiatives.
What you'll get in return In return, you will secure a high‑profile senior leadership role with the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a significant public sector organisation. You will play a key part in strategic decision‑making across the organisation while working within a collaborative and supportive senior leadership team. The role offers the chance to drive meaningful change, influence financial strategy, and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of finance services, all within a flexible working environment that supports hybrid arrangements.
Chief Accountant. Job in Alloa Move Collective Jobs employer: Broughton Group
Clackmannanshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for the Chief Accountant role in Alloa, where you can make a significant impact on the financial governance of a forward-thinking local authority. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on continuous improvement, employees benefit from hybrid working options, professional development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to strategic decision-making that shapes the future of the community. Join a supportive senior leadership team dedicated to innovation and service transformation, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant. Job in Alloa Move Collective Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial governance and controls. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and led teams in the past. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've influenced financial strategy or driven change in your previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the Council's objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Chief Accountant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant. Job in Alloa Move Collective Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, budget strategy, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what Clackmannanshire Council is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in finance and how you can contribute to the Council's long-term objectives. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, they’ll be looking for strong leadership capabilities. Make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and providing strategic advice. We want to see how you've influenced others and driven change in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting expertise. Brush up on the preparation of statutory financial statements and be ready to discuss your experience with complex revenue and capital budgets. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also lead the financial direction effectively.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed finance teams in the past. Highlight your leadership capabilities and how you've influenced senior stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that requires strong leadership within the Finance and Revenues Service.
✨Understand Governance and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with the governance frameworks and financial controls relevant to local government finance. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this will be key to fulfilling the statutory responsibilities of the Chief Accountant position.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Think about how you can contribute to the Council's long-term objectives. Prepare to discuss your experience in developing strategic financial plans and how you’ve supported major projects or business cases. This will demonstrate your ability to align financial strategies with organisational goals.