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: Enjoy a high-profile role, flexible working options, and the chance to drive meaningful change.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the financial direction of a significant public sector organisation and influence strategic decisions.
- 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.
Senior Chief Accountant. Job in Alloa Move Collective Jobs employer: Broughton Group
Clackmannanshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for senior professionals to shape the financial direction of a forward-thinking local authority. With a collaborative work culture and a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements while playing a pivotal role in strategic decision-making and driving meaningful change within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior 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, especially in financial governance and budget management, to show us you’re the perfect fit for this senior position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills align with our needs. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership and strategic financial planning abilities.
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a professionally qualified accountant, don’t forget to mention your CCAB or equivalent qualifications prominently. We want to see your technical expertise shine through, especially in preparing statutory financial statements.
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 recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Broughton Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Chief Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your technical expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed complex budgets in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to maintain a balanced financial position.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of specific instances where you’ve led finance teams or influenced senior stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your approach to team development and how you’ve driven performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of local government finance and the regulatory frameworks involved. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the sector.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them, especially regarding budget strategy and financial governance.