At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee budget management for Clackmannanshire Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local authority with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive leadership team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a significant public sector organisation and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with senior managerial experience in finance.
Your new company Hays are delighted to be working exclusively once again with Clackmannanshire Council to recruit a Chief Accountant, offering a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority at a senior level. Based at Kilncraigs with hybrid working options, this role sits within the Finance and Revenues Service and plays a critical part in supporting the effective administration of the Council's financial affairs. Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic and operational leadership of finance services, helping to ensure they remain fit for purpose, innovative, and aligned to the Council's long-term objectives.
Your new role As Chief Accountant and Deputy (Section 95 Officer), you will operate as a senior member of the extended Management Team, providing leadership, direction, and oversight across the accountancy function. You will support and deputise for the Chief Finance Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities, including those aligned to the Section 95 role, and will play a central part in ensuring the Council's financial governance and controls are robust and effective.
You will take responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the Council's budget strategy, managing the annual budget-setting process, and ensuring the organisation maintains a balanced financial position. The role will also involve overseeing the preparation of statutory financial statements and working closely with external auditors during the annual audit process. In addition, you will ensure strong financial management practices are embedded through effective monitoring, reporting, and control of revenue and capital budgets. In this position, you will lead and develop high-performing finance teams, provide strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members, and contribute to key areas such as treasury management, governance, and financial strategy. You will also support major projects, business cases, and investment decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering best value for the organisation. A strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and service transformation will be central to your approach.
What you'll need to succeed To succeed in this role, you will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant experience operating at a senior managerial level within a financial environment. You will bring strong technical accounting expertise, including the preparation of statutory financial statements, alongside a proven track record of developing strategic financial plans and managing complex revenue and capital budgets. You will demonstrate strong leadership capability with experience of managing and developing teams, as well as excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to build credibility with senior stakeholders and provide effective financial advice. A sound understanding of governance, financial controls, and regulatory frameworks is essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines within a complex and demanding environment. Experience within the public sector, including knowledge of local government finance or working within a political environment, would be advantageous, as would exposure to treasury management and organisational transformation initiatives.
What you'll get in return In return, you will secure a high-profile senior leadership role with the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a significant public sector organisation. You will play a key part in strategic decision-making across the organisation while working within a collaborative and supportive senior leadership team. The role offers the chance to drive meaningful change, influence financial strategy, and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of finance services, all within a flexible working environment that supports hybrid arrangements.
What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Chief Accountant in Alloa employer: Hays Senior Finance
Clackmannanshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity for professional growth and meaningful impact within the community. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, flexible hybrid working options, and the chance to shape financial strategies that align with long-term objectives. Joining the Finance and Revenues Service means being part of a supportive leadership team dedicated to driving positive change in local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant in Alloa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial governance and controls. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed budgets and led teams in the past. We want to see your leadership skills shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! Think about how you can contribute to the Council's long-term objectives and be prepared to share your ideas during the interview. We love candidates who can think outside the box.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Chief Accountant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant in Alloa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, budget strategy, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what Clackmannanshire Council is 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 statutory financial statements and your understanding of local government finance. Let us know how you can contribute to their long-term objectives.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, they’ll be looking for strong leadership capabilities. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders. We want to see your ability to drive change and improve financial practices!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Clackmannanshire Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed complex budgets in the past. Prepare examples of statutory financial statements you've worked on to showcase your experience.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've led a team or influenced senior stakeholders. Be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams and provide strategic financial advice.
✨Understand the Council's Objectives
Familiarise yourself with Clackmannanshire Council's long-term goals and financial strategies. This will help you align your answers with their vision during the interview. Showing that you understand their objectives will demonstrate your commitment to contributing positively to their financial governance.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a complex environment. Think through potential scenarios related to budget management or financial controls and how you would handle them. This will show your ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure.
