At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, manage accounts, and provide expert advice to support the Council's financial planning.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector finance team making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and lead a team while contributing to impactful community projects.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA Accountant with supervisory experience in finance.
The predicted salary is between 52478 - 52478 € per year.
The Senior Accountant is responsible for the provision of technical accounting advice to the Accountancy section and to the Deputy Section 95 Officer. The role has a significant coordinating function in relation to the preparation of the Annual Accounts, capital and revenue monitoring, treasury management support and the Council's financial planning processes as agreed with the Service Managers.
The postholder also has responsibility for the line management, development and performance management of Accountants, and assists the Service Managers in the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service.
Requirements- Provide senior professional and technical accounting advice to support the preparation of the Annual Report and Abstract of Accounts and liaise with External Audit as required.
- Provide senior professional support to the Council’s capital and treasury management activities, including capital monitoring, prudential indicators and liaison with treasury advisers, in support of the Service Manager(s).
- Support the Council’s financial planning and budget monitoring processes, including revenue and capital reporting, and contribute to the development of medium to long‑term financial planning.
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior management and Committees and provide professional financial advice to Elected Members where required.
- Provide representation for Financial Services on corporate and cross-service working groups and project boards.
- Provide professional leadership within the Accountancy service, including oversight of accounting standards, technical guidance, training and continuous professional development.
- Line manage designated Accountants and contribute to the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service in support of the Service Manager(s).
The duties of the Senior Accountant role are undertaken collectively by two postholders. Lead responsibility for specific functional areas (such as annual accounts, capital, treasury management or financial planning) will be allocated by the Service Manager(s) and may change over time to reflect service priorities, resilience and development needs.
The Individual- Post-qualifying experience in a public sector finance department.
- Significant supervisory or managerial experience in a Finance environment.
- Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA Accountant.
- Ability to interpret, apply and explain technical policies, procedures, guidance and legislation.
- Strong written and oral communications skills and an ability to deal effectively with queries and provide advice.
- Self-confident and self-motivated.
- Computer literate with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Strong customer focus.
- You will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the service.
- Committed and able to work under own initiative.
- Ability to manage personal workload and that of others, address conflicting priorities, meet deadlines (statutory and internal) working to a high degree of accuracy.
- Politically sensitive and astute.
- Ability to write clear, concise and easily understandable reports for Senior Officers and Members.
- Experience of working under pressure and delivering work to deadlines.
- Ability to establish confidence, credibility and trust.
- Ability to contribute to the development of financial policies.
- A flexible approach to new working practices and technology.
- Appreciation, acceptance of and commitment to the importance of confidentiality.
- Ability to motivate and monitor staff.
- Strong leadership and supportive approach to team members.
- An ability to work as part of a management team delivering services.
- Flexibility to meet the needs and demands of the service.
- Ability to work in a shared office and at home.
- Ability to work in different offices depending on the needs of the service.
Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Starting Salary: £52,478.40
£27.84 per hour
36.25 Hours per week
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
For further information, contact Susan Souter.
Senior Accountant - Accounting in Elgin employer: Moray Council
As a Senior Accountant with us, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that values professional development and continuous learning. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the public sector finance environment. Located in the picturesque Moray region, we offer a unique blend of rural charm and professional fulfilment, ensuring that your contributions directly impact the community while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Accounting in Elgin
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in public services. 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 your technical knowledge and current financial regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions related to accounting and being ready to discuss your experience with annual accounts and treasury management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to motivate and develop others will set you apart from the competition.
✨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 - Accounting in Elgin
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in public sector finance. We want to see how your skills align with the Senior Accountant role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical accounting expertise!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves line management and professional leadership, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can motivate and support their colleagues!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that are easy to read and understand.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moray Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your technical accounting knowledge. Brush up on key financial principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of your experience with annual accounts, treasury management, and financial planning.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves line management and team development. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully led a team or mentored colleagues. Highlight your approach to motivating staff and managing workloads, especially under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present financial reports, so consider rehearsing how you would convey important information to senior management or elected members.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about past challenges you've faced in finance and how you resolved them. Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting priorities or tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
