At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategic projects, making impactful decisions for the community.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a dynamic and innovative workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy a supportive environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in accounting and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 51356 £ per year.
Salary £46,142 - £51,356 per annum | Permanent | Full time, 37 hours per week | Financial Management Team
We are currently recruiting a dynamic and innovative Senior Accountant – Capital and Strategic Projects to work within Financial Management at Lancashire County Council. Are you an outstanding Accountant with an abundance of experience and knowledge in the world of finance? Can you be assertive and decisive whilst remaining approachable and inspirational towards your colleagues?
If so, this role is sure to interest you and it is the perfect opportunity to enhance your career, by getting involved in crucial decision making and getting your voice and opinions heard. We want someone who is ready to tackle financial challenges, providing salient, practical advice to service areas within the council.
You will be managing a team of experts and know exactly how to harness and utilise the talents within your team in the most effective way possible. This role is stimulating and fast paced, so we need professionals who are ready for a challenge representing the views of the service. With your determination and dedication, you will help us to achieve our goals, allowing services to flourish and continue to remain operational.
What we are looking for…
- Resilience: You will be tasked with reporting findings and details to the Heads of Service, Directors and External Boards. Your resilient and tactful persona will be a key element to these meetings. We want you to be persistent and confident when presenting to your senior colleagues with a firm but respectful approach. You will have the ability to build strong, lasting working relationships with your seniors and team, but not afraid to make tough decisions when necessary.
- Challenge: Within the current climate finances are restricted and it is not always possible to provide funding for every single requirement. You will be expected to advise and work with the service to enable them to prioritise, make decisions and allocate where funding is needed the most, which can involve challenging conversations with budget holders and Senior Managers across the service and externally.
- Service Excellence: This role is an exciting mixture of managing the budget and getting involved and influencing strategic projects across the county council. The role will be dealing with ad hoc queries that can present themselves at any given moment. You will be reactive and proactive when faced with random ad hoc requests, ensuring they are dealt with swiftly and competently.
Why join us…
- Benefits: There's fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work life balance you'll love with up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 2 additional days at Christmas and then an additional 20 days that can be purchased too. We have a generous Local Government pension with shared AVC's available then a benefits package which has everything from dog care to day care, holidays at home or abroad, long service awards, Medicash, support groups, cycle to work schemes and eye tests plus much more.
- Development: You'll get support and development along the journey. There will be time for supportive reflection and supervision for yourself, opportunities for personal growth and development, multidisciplinary initiatives, mentoring, the opportunity to make a difference, feel valued and achieve the job satisfaction you've always wanted.
- Inclusivity: We don't have a 'one size fits all' idealism, we embrace diversity and that includes around personal and family requirements so appreciate that you'll want to be working from home when you can, your hours may vary or change and for us – delivering successful outcomes is more important than watching the clock.
How to apply…
Please feel free to contact us for an initial informal and confidential chat: Lauren Bradley (Principal Accountant) on 01772 535953 (lauren.bradley@lancashire.gov.uk) or Kate Lee (Head of Service) on 01772 531733 (kate.lee@lancashire.gov.uk). Please ensure you have uploaded and attached your supporting statement to evidence how you meet the criteria for the role. The panel may be unable to shortlist you for interview without this evidence.
Closing Date: 21st May 2026 | Interviews: 5th June 2026 (provisional)
In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Senior Accountant l Capital and Strategic Projects l Financial Management Team l Full time in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Contact Detail:
Lancashire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant l Capital and Strategic Projects l Financial Management Team l Full time in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into the Senior Accountant role. A friendly chat can lead to valuable advice or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial management knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you would tackle budget challenges and support strategic projects. Show them you’re not just about numbers but also about making an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to present findings confidently to senior colleagues. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the fantastic benefits we offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant l Capital and Strategic Projects l Financial Management Team l Full time in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience and skills that directly relate to the Senior Accountant position. We want to see how you can tackle financial challenges and support strategic projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves presenting to senior colleagues, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language to show us how you can effectively convey complex financial information.
Be Resilient and Assertive: We’re looking for someone who can handle challenging conversations with confidence. In your application, share examples of how you've navigated tough discussions or made assertive decisions in previous roles. This will help us see your resilience in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, make sure to upload your supporting statement as it’s essential for us to shortlist you for an interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you've tackled financial challenges and made strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of instances where you've successfully led a team through challenges or influenced decision-making. Highlight your ability to motivate and harness the talents of your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Tough Conversations
You’ll likely face challenging discussions regarding budget allocations. Practice how you would approach these conversations with tact and confidence. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you prioritise funding needs while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The role is dynamic, so show that you can handle unexpected queries and changes. Share examples of how you've been proactive in addressing ad hoc requests and how you’ve adapted to shifting priorities in previous roles. This will highlight your resilience and service excellence.