Financial Reporting & Technical Lead in Farnborough

Rushmoor Borough Council is a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to delivering high-quality services and driving positive change for its communities. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and financial sustainability, the Council is embarking on an exciting journey of transformation, including the implementation of its Delivery Plan priorities for 2025/26 and the start of its Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be the Council’s expert lead on financial reporting, playing a vital role in shaping the financial future of the organisation. You will be responsible for the leadership, management, development, and production of the Council’s Statement of Accounts and lead the external audit process.

Your role will involve applying your technical expertise to complex areas such as regeneration and development, the commercial property investment portfolio, and treasury management. You will work closely with key partners and internal teams to ensure high standards in financial reporting and governance, while also supporting the wider finance team in delivering high-quality financial statements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of statutory financial statements and external audit processes.
• Acting as the Council’s lead on financial reporting, the Collection Fund (supported by LG Futures), and asset accounting.
• Supporting the development of the finance team and driving continuous improvement in statutory reporting.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
• Managing the Council’s Fixed Asset Register and liaising with property teams and external valuers.
• Contributing to financial sustainability through identifying efficiencies and supporting strategic planning.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Significant experience in local government finance or a similar public sector environment - This is Essential.
• A professional accounting qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent). This is Essential.
• Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards, capital financing, and statutory accounting. This is Essential.
• Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements and manage external audits. This is Essential.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What you’ll get in return:

In return, you’ll join a supportive and ambitious finance team at a pivotal time for the Council. You’ll benefit from:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Access to a flextime system, allowing staff to work additional hours between 7:30am and 7:00pm (6:30pm on Fridays) and take up to one day’s flexible leave each calendar month.
• Generous annual leave entitlement: 26 days for full-time staff, rising to 29 days after five years’ continuous local government service, 31 days after ten years, and 34 days after twenty years.
• Membership of the Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit occupational pension scheme.
• Payment of professional membership fees where a qualification is required for the role.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentoring, and support for continuing professional qualifications.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including wellbeing days and events, 24/7 access to a free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), including an online health portal, confidential telephone support, and face-to-face counselling, cycle to work scheme, reduced gym membership, on-site food and drink facilities, option to purchase additional annual leave, volunteering opportunities in the community, Kaarp benefit scheme (discounts and vouchers), and free parking next to the Council offices.