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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 governance while advancing your career in finance.
- 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 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
6 months contract with a Local Authority. The Chief Accountant will lead the Council's Financial & Technical Accounting function overseeing the production of the Single Entity and Group Accounts, managing the Council's financial control framework and acting as the organisation's 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 Council's core financial systems driving improvements in reporting and controls.
Responsibilities- Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council's 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 Council's 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 Council's Balance Sheet ensuring accuracy and strong financial governance.
- Act as system owner for the Council's 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.
- 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.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the local government sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Chief Accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CIPFA and IFRS regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've managed financial controls and reconciliations in past roles. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to talk about how you've developed and supported financial teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to manage and motivate a team will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant in London
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!
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. Mention your experience with financial controls and your ability to manage teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to highlight your knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS regulations. We’re looking for someone who can act as our primary expert, so make sure to demonstrate your understanding of these frameworks in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
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 expertise in financial accounting. Brush up on the CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS regulations before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience 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 leadership experience. Prepare to share how you've developed financial teams in the past, focusing on how you promote high performance and professional standards within your team.
✨Master the Art of Presentation
You'll need to present complex financial information to senior officers and elected members. Practice explaining intricate financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Use examples from your previous roles to illustrate how you've successfully communicated financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about VAT returns and capital accounting processes. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to provide specialist advice based on your experience. This will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also confident in your ability to handle the technical aspects of the role.
