At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical accounting and capital management while supporting services with financial insights.
- Company: Join Uttlesford District Council, a vibrant local government in picturesque Saffron Walden.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community services while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in local government finance and team management.
Uttlesford District Council serves a vibrant rural community across Essex, delivering key services including housing, planning, waste and community development, alongside an ambitious capital programme supporting growth and sustainability.
This is a pivotal senior finance role that combines technical accounting expertise, capital programme oversight, and strong service-facing business partnering, alongside the management of a small team. You will play a key role in ensuring robust financial governance while working closely with services to provide meaningful financial insight, challenge, and support across both revenue and capital activity.
Key Responsibilities- Technical & Statutory Accounting
- Lead on the preparation of the Council's Statement of Accounts, ensuring compliance with the CIPFA Code and IFRS.
- Act as the lead on technical accounting matters including assets, pensions, and complex accounting treatments.
- Manage year-end processes and coordinate the external audit.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and strengthen financial governance.
- Capital & Financial Management
- Oversee the Council's capital programme, ensuring effective monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.
- Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure accurate capital accounting.
- Support services with capital bids, business cases, and investment decisions.
- Advise on capital financing options including borrowing, grants, and capital receipts.
- Service-Focused Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted finance partner for services, providing support, challenge, and insight.
- Lead on budget setting and in-year monitoring, working closely with service managers.
- Translate financial data into clear and practical advice to support decision-making.
- Build strong relationships across the organisation to embed finance within service delivery.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Manage, support, and develop a team of 4 finance staff.
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and performance oversight.
- Drive continuous improvement across processes, reporting, and ways of working.
- Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and long-term planning.
- Support the development of financial policies and procedures.
- Represent Finance across corporate projects, working groups, and transformation activities.
- CCAB qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
- Strong experience in technical accounting and capital finance within local government.
- Proven ability to work closely with services and influence stakeholders.
- Experience managing or supervising staff.
- Strong communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible hybrid working with minimal office presence required.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and progression.
For a confidential discussion, please contact: Lucy West - Senior Business Director, Hays Public Sector Finance.
Senior Accountant - Technical employer: Hays
Uttlesford District Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the charming market town of Saffron Walden. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while contributing to vital community services and ambitious capital projects. The Council's focus on financial governance and team management ensures that staff are empowered to grow and make a meaningful impact within local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Technical
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in local government. 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 technical accounting topics relevant to the role. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios that might come up, especially around capital finance and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your service-focused mindset! During interviews, highlight examples where you've partnered with services to provide financial insights. This will demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into actionable advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant - Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Senior Accountant - Technical. Highlight your technical accounting skills and experience in capital finance, especially within local government. We want to see how your background aligns 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 this role. Share specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and managed teams in the past. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Senior Accountant, you'll need to communicate complex financial data clearly. In your application, demonstrate your ability to translate technical jargon into practical advice. We want to see how you can build strong relationships across the 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 us you're keen on joining our team at Uttlesford District Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your technical accounting knowledge, especially around the CIPFA Code and IFRS. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, particularly in local government settings.
✨Showcase Your Service Focus
Prepare examples of how you've partnered with services to provide financial insights and support. Highlight your ability to translate complex financial data into practical advice that aids decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think about your experience managing teams and how you’ve developed staff. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve driven improvements or mentored others in a finance context.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research Uttlesford District Council’s capital programme and strategic goals. Show enthusiasm for their projects and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their long-term financial strategy.
