Chief Financial Accountant

Your new company is a progressive council serving thriving coastal, rural and market town communities.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Chief Financial Accountant to join a well-established district council based in the beautiful coastal area of the East of England. The area boasts stunning countryside, vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community, while remaining well-connected to Norwich, Cambridge and London.

This is a key technical finance role, leading on statutory accounts, external audit, treasury-related matters, financial governance, and supporting the organisation through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and Assets, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the council maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship and compliance.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the annual Statement of Accounts process and year-end closure programme.
• Managing the relationship with external auditors and acting as the council's primary audit contact.
• Coordinating the production of high-quality audit working papers and supporting documentation.
• Providing expert technical accounting advice to senior officers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, CIPFA guidance and governance requirements.
• Supporting budget setting processes and annual Council Tax determination.
• Overseeing government returns and statutory financial submissions.
• Managing the council's insurance arrangements and associated claims processes.
• Leading responses to financial consultations and monitoring emerging legislative and accounting developments.
• Supporting and contributing to Local Government Reorganisation workstreams and technical accounting requirements.
• Building strong relationships across services to promote sound financial management and governance.

What you'll need to succeed:

• CCAB qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Significant experience within a local government finance environment.
• Extensive knowledge of local authority finance and accounting requirements.
• Strong understanding of statutory accounts production and year-end processes.
• Experience managing or coordinating external audit activities.
• Excellent knowledge of local government financial legislation, accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills.
• Experience providing professional financial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of treasury management and capital finance regulations.
• Understanding of Business Rates Retention, Council Tax and Collection Fund accounting.
• Experience leading service improvement or finance transformation initiatives.
• Previous involvement in Local Government Reorganisation programmes.
• Team leadership or management experience.
• Procurement and contract management knowledge.

What you'll get in return: Flexible working options available.

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.