Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead statutory financial reporting and provide strategic financial advice.
- Company: Essex County Council, a leader in public sector finance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovation and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance and decision-making.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience.
The predicted salary is between 65058 - 76538 ÂŁ per year.
Opportunity: 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 high‑performing, customer‑facing finance team, underpinning effective decision‑making, promoting compliance with best professional practice and ensuring the highest standards of financial governance. 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.
About the Role:
- Employment type: Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week
- Salary: ÂŁ65,058 to ÂŁ76,538 per annum
- Location: Chelmsford
- Working Style: Anywhere Worker
- Closing Date: 4th May 2026
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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Specialise in and lead on statutory financial accounting and reporting requirements (including the Statement of Accounts), Treasury Management or other regulatory responsibilities such as duties and taxes, ensuring standards and statutory deadlines are met.
- Support the establishment and maintenance of a framework of accounting policies and internal financial controls that ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Codes of Practice and professional best practice.
- Provide high‑quality strategic advice and direction on financial strategies, projects and initiatives to officers.
- Lead on any project or programme as agreed by the Chief Accountant.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Full CCAB qualification.
- Minimum 2 years post‑qualification experience.
- Knowledge and understanding of government regulations (including taxes and duties), Codes of Practice and accounting standards, and practical experience 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.
- Engaging with and providing high‑quality technical accounting and taxation advice to finance professionals and non‑finance managers.
- Identifying and acting on opportunities for improving financial systems, internal controls and/or processes.
- Evaluating and advising on accounting, taxation and financing implications of innovative alternatives to the delivery of large‑scale services.
- Financial planning and management in a large, complex, customer‑focused organisation.
- Inspiring and motivating staff, setting targets and goals for service delivery.
- Working within and influencing multidisciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.
- Establishing credibility with finance professionals, directors, senior management, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
- Strong delivery/performance focus.
- Contributing effectively in a large complex organisation with plans for radical change and improvement.
- Building effective working relationships with finance colleagues, the Council’s external auditor and other key stakeholders, including commissioning of work and quality assurance of outputs.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.
EEO Statement: Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We are committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the role, and to offer reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. We also commit to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role. We value integrity and ethical behaviour and ask all applicants to embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles.
Senior Financial Accountant in Essex employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in public sector roles. 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 statutory financial reporting and treasury management. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to the role to show you’re the expert they need.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Financial Accountant position. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your CCAB qualification and relevant experience, especially in statutory financial reporting and treasury management. We want to see how your skills align 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 our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide high-quality strategic advice and lead financial initiatives.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone who can translate complex accounting standards into practical solutions. In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with government regulations and how you've successfully implemented changes in a large organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll need to be on top of your game with financial reporting and regulations. Brush up on the latest accounting standards and government regulations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past positions, as this will show your expertise and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves providing technical leadership to a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've led projects or initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as how you've built strong relationships with stakeholders. This will demonstrate that you can operate at a strategic level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Think of scenarios where you had to analyse financial data or implement changes to accounting practices. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
With highly developed interpersonal skills being crucial for this role, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will not only showcase your expertise but also your ability to engage with non-finance managers. Remember, clear communication is key to building credibility with your future colleagues.