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- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for a local authority and manage a team of up to 10.
- Company: Join a dynamic local authority with a focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance and enhance your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with extensive local government financial experience.
- Other info: Temporary role with excellent career growth potential and flexible working arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1400 £ per month.
6 months contract with a Local Authority. The Chief Accountant will lead the Councils Financial & Technical Accounting function overseeing the production of the Single Entity and Group Accounts, managing the Councils financial control framework and acting as the organisations primary expert on financial accounting regulations. The post holder will manage a team of up to 10 FTE, maintain senior-level relationships with External Auditors, lead capital and asset accounting processes, oversee VAT and ensure robust balance sheet management. They will also act as system owner for the Councils core financial systems driving improvements in reporting and controls.
Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and delivery of the Councils Annual Statement of Accounts (Single Entity and Group Accounts).
- Act as the primary technical expert for financial accounting regulations advising the Section 151 Officer.
- Oversee the Councils system of financial controls and ensure timely completion of all reconciliations.
- Manage senior-level relationships with External Auditors coordinating audit activity and resolving issues.
- Lead year-end capital and asset accounting processes ensuring compliance with accounting standards.
- Provide expert financial accounting advice to budget holders and finance colleagues supporting major business cases and financial modelling.
- Oversee completion of VAT returns and provide specialist VAT guidance across the organisation.
- Maintain responsibility for the Councils Balance Sheet ensuring accuracy and strong financial governance.
- Act as system owner for the Councils core financial systems driving improvements and enhancing reporting capability.
- Manage, develop and support a team of up to 10 FTE promoting high performance and professional standards.
- Present complex financial information clearly to directors, councillors and senior stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, CIPFA / IFRS regulations and internal policies.
Skills / Experience
- Extensive experience in local government financial accounting including year-end accounts and external audit liaison.
- Strong knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS, local government accounting frameworks and statutory reporting.
- Demonstrable experience managing financial controls and preparing reconciliations.
- Skilled in capital accounting, asset accounting and balance sheet management.
- Experience managing VAT returns and providing technical VAT advice.
- Proven track record of leading and developing financial teams.
- Ability to present complex financial information to senior officers and elected members.
- Strong financial systems knowledge including system improvement and reporting development.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.
- Ability to work at senior level, manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy.
Additional Information
- The closing date: 12 / 12 / 2025.
- CCAB-qualified accountant (essential).
- Temporary role (26 weeks) 36 hours per week.
- Hybrid working: minimum one day per week in the Bexley Civic Offices plus evening meetings as required.
Chief Accountant employer: CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
Contact Detail:
CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CIPFA and IFRS regulations. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've developed teams in the past. We love hearing about your experiences managing financial controls and ensuring accuracy under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who are eager to make a difference in local government finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your experience in local government financial accounting and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise: In your application, don’t shy away from showcasing your knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS. We’re after someone who can act as a technical expert, so let us know how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. Present your complex financial information in a straightforward way, just like you would to senior officers or elected members. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your extensive knowledge of financial accounting. Brush up on the CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS regulations before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in managing year-end accounts and liaising with external auditors.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a team of up to 10 FTE, so it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading and developing financial teams. Prepare examples of how you've motivated your team, improved performance, and maintained high professional standards in past positions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical expertise in financial controls, capital accounting, and VAT management. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. This will show your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial issues.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to present complex financial information to senior officers and elected members. Practice explaining intricate concepts in simple terms. This will not only demonstrate your understanding but also your ability to communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders.
