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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage budgets, and ensure financial health for Luton Council.
- Company: Join Luton Council, a dynamic authority making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and strong professional development support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving town while making a lasting impact on residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with experience in financial management and leadership.
- Other info: Be part of ambitious regeneration plans and work with a major national asset.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £82,209
Location: Luton Borough Council
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Must have Local Authority, or wider Public Sector experience
Why Join Luton
As a dynamic authority at the heart of a thriving and diverse borough, Luton Council is driving forward ambitious regeneration plans, delivering vital public services, and making a measurable difference to the lives of its residents. Few places can offer the same blend of scale, community impact, and opportunity for leaders across finance, HR, transformation, and other key corporate functions. Joining Luton means contributing to a clear and compelling vision for a town where everyone can thrive and being part of an organisation that truly puts people and place at its heart.
A distinctive part of that story is London Luton Airport, one of the UK’s busiest airports and a critical economic engine for the town. Uniquely, the airport is wholly owned by the council, generating significant revenue that is reinvested back into local services, regeneration projects, and community wellbeing. It symbolises Luton’s ambition and financial resilience, providing employees with the rare opportunity to work for an authority that not only delivers for residents but also benefits from and shapes a major national asset.
At Luton Council, colleagues are supported to develop, grow, and achieve their ambitions. The organisation promotes a flexible and inclusive culture, with hybrid working options, generous leave, and strong wellbeing support. There’s a clear commitment to professional development through training, mentoring, and opportunities to lead high-profile projects that deliver visible change. Staff are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and lead, knowing their contribution makes a real difference both locally and nationally.
About the Role
As Chief Accountant, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the Council’s Finance Service. Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer), you will help to ensure the sound financial management of the Council and its companies, delivering robust financial stewardship, strategic advice, and long-term sustainability.
You will lead the Accountancy Division, overseeing all aspects of financial policy, accounting standards, statutory reporting, and treasury management. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, Members, and partners, helping shape financial strategy that enables investment, innovation, and value for money across the Council’s services and companies, including London Luton Airport Limited.
Key Responsibilities
- Determining and applying consistent accounting policies across the Council in line with best practice and professional standards.
- Leading, managing, and motivating a high-performing Accountancy Division, ensuring excellence in financial service delivery.
- Overseeing the preparation of the Council’s revenue budget, capital programme, and annual accounts, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting the Section 151 Officer, providing expert advice and assurance on the Council’s financial health.
- Managing the relationship with external auditors and ensuring audit queries are resolved promptly and effectively.
- Contributing to the financial management and oversight of London Luton Airport Limited, ensuring sound governance and the reinvestment of returns into the community.
- Driving continuous financial improvement, innovation, and efficiency across the authority.
About You
You’ll be a fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent) with substantial experience managing complex financial systems, large-scale budgets, and professional teams. You’ll combine strong technical expertise with strategic leadership, able to influence at all levels, deliver under pressure, and navigate a politically complex environment with integrity and insight.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience in budget preparation, financial strategy, and statutory reporting.
- The ability to think both strategically and analytically, turning insight into action.
- Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage Members, senior officers, and external partners.
- A collaborative and empowering leadership style that inspires performance and accountability.
- A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of public service.
A Great Career Move
This is a truly distinctive opportunity to join a bold, ambitious, and financially innovative council at a pivotal time in its journey. You’ll play a central role in shaping the future of a diverse and fast-growing town, supporting major regeneration and transformation programmes that make a real and lasting impact.
Few roles offer this combination of strategic influence, financial responsibility, and community purpose. At Luton, your work will directly improve lives, your ideas will be heard, and your leadership will help shape a stronger future, for their residents, their organisation, and for you.
To discuss this opportunity in more detail, please reach out to Thomas Porter on 07951795790, or email thomas@mlcpartners.co.uk
Chief Accountant in Bedford employer: MLC Partners
Contact Detail:
MLC Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the public sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Chief Accountant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Luton Council or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local authority finance. Familiarise yourself with Luton Council's recent projects and financial strategies. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experience, and engage with content related to public sector finance. This can help you stand out to recruiters looking for candidates like you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Luton Council and contributing to their mission of making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your local authority or public sector experience, as this is a must-have for us!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working at Luton Council and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this pivotal role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Chief Accountant, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to include examples of your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. We want to see how you inspire performance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Luton Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at MLC Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief 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 and financial strategies in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the local authority framework and the specific challenges faced by Luton Borough Council. Research recent initiatives or financial reports from the council to show that you're engaged and informed about their current situation and future plans.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in managing teams and driving performance. Discuss how you’ve motivated your team in the past and how you plan to inspire the Accountancy Division at Luton. They’ll want to see that you can lead effectively in a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Exceptional communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. Be prepared to engage with senior leaders and external partners, showcasing your ability to influence and build relationships.
