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- Tasks: Lead financial accounting for a local authority and manage key financial controls.
- Company: Local authority in London with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a chance to influence local governance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance while developing your expertise.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualification and strong financial management skills required.
- Other info: Temporary role with potential for significant professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 84000 £ per year.
I am recruiting for a Chief Accountant within a local authority based in London. The role will be a temporary position for 6 months paying 700 p/day+. The role will be hybrid working.
Key duties include:
- To manage the production of the Council's Single entity and Group accounts.
- To be the primary expert on financial accounting regulations and be the primary advisor on this subject matter to the Council's statutory section 151 Officer.
- To hold the day-to-day responsibility for the Council's system of financial controls, ensuring that all key reconciliations are produced monthly, quarterly or yearly depending on their importance and the regularity.
- To regularly liaise and manage relationships with the External Auditors at a senior level.
- To manage the end of year capital and asset accounting processes.
- To manage the financial accounting function and present to directors and councillors on the matter, where appropriate.
- To ensure that the team provide specialist financial accounting advice to budget holders and officers in other parts of Finance to support decision-making and financial modelling of major business cases.
- To manage the completion of VAT returns and corporate advice on VAT issues.
- To have overarching responsibility for the Balance Sheet.
- To manage system improvements in the Council's core financial systems and improve reporting capabilities, as the day-to-day system owner.
CCAB qualification required.
Chief Accountant in City of London employer: Morgan Law
Contact Detail:
Morgan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local authorities. 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 financial accounting regulations and the specific duties of a Chief Accountant. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to managing financial controls and liaising with auditors.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to present your skills, highlight your experience with financial systems and your ability to improve reporting capabilities. This is key for impressing directors and councillors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial accounting and management. We want to see how your skills align with the key duties mentioned in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Chief Accountant role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the responsibilities, so make it personal and engaging.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Since a CCAB qualification is required, make sure to highlight this prominently in your application. We want to know about your qualifications and any additional training that makes you stand out as a financial expert.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial accounting regulations. Brush up on the latest standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. This shows you're not just familiar with the rules but can also navigate complex financial landscapes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing relationships with external auditors and presenting to directors and councillors. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about financial controls, reconciliations, and VAT issues. Review common scenarios you might face in this role and think through your problem-solving approach. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress interviewers and show your readiness for the challenges ahead.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
With hybrid working and system improvements being part of the role, it's crucial to show that you can adapt to changing environments. Share experiences where you've successfully managed change or improved processes. This will highlight your proactive approach and readiness to enhance the Council's financial systems.
