Financial Accountant in Essex

As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will be part of a team of expert financial accountants who are collectively responsible for statutory financial reporting, effective treasury management and tax advice. Reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will provide authoritative technical leadership to a team of high performing, customer facing finance professionals, to underpin effective decision making, promote compliance with best professional practice and to ensure the highest standards of financial governance are achieved.

You will be a trusted expert and advisor, translating complex accounting standards, CIPFA codes of practice and government regulations into clear, practical solutions that support sound decision‑making across the organisation. By leading key elements of the annual Statement of Accounts and wider financial closure activity, you will ensure the Council consistently meets statutory deadlines while maintaining the highest professional standards. You will operate at a strategic level, building strong relationships with internal and external partners and will be a key and active member of senior manager forums.

Responsibilities

• Specialise in, and lead on, aspects of the Council's statutory financial accounting and reporting requirements (including the Statement of Accounts), its Treasury Management function or other regulatory requirements such as those related to UK duties and taxes, to ensure that the required standards and statutory deadlines are met.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of a framework of accounting policies and internal financial controls which ensure that the Council complies with statutory regulations, Codes of Practice and professional best practice, and to provide practical advice and interpretation consistent with these policies and controls to ensure the highest standards of financial governance in all of the Council's decision making and operations.
• Ensure that officers are provided with high quality strategic advice and direction on financial strategies, projects and other initiatives.
• Lead on any project or programme as agreed by the Chief Accountant.
• Engage with and provide high quality technical accounting and taxation advice and support to finance professionals, and non‑finance managers.
• Identify and act on opportunities for improving financial systems, internal controls and/or processes.
• Evaluate and advise on the accounting, taxation and financing implications of innovative alternatives to the delivery of large‑scale services.
• Plan and manage finance in a large, complex, customer‑focussed organisation.
• Inspire and motivate staff and colleagues, setting targets and goals for the delivery of services.
• Work within and influence multi‑disciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.

Qualifications

• Full CCAB qualification.
• Minimum 2 years post‑qualification experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of government regulations (including those related to taxes and duties), Codes of Practice and underlying accounting standards, and practical experience of applying these in a large organisation – preferably public sector.
• Analysing, interpreting, communicating and effectively implementing changes to accounting practice and/or taxation rules and regulations.
• Ability to establish credibility with other finance professionals, directors, senior management teams, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
• Strong delivery/performance focus.
• Ability to contribute effectively in a large complex organisation with plans for radical change and improvement.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with finance colleagues, the Council's external auditor and other key stakeholders; includes commissioning of work and quality assurance of outputs.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.

Essex County Council is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and we interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role.