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- Tasks: Lead financial stewardship and prepare annual accounts for a local authority.
- Company: Morgan Law is a reputable firm supporting local government roles in London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £700+ per day and flexible on-site work 2-3 days a week.
- Why this job: Join a vital role impacting community finances while enhancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with 5 years' experience in local authority settings.
- Other info: This is an urgent position, open until filled, so apply quickly!
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Interim Chief Accountant
Local Government – South West England
6 month initial contract
£700+ p/d
1-2 days a week on site
About the client
Morgan Law is seeking an interim Chief Accountant for a local authority in the South West of England, reporting to the Deputy S151.
Accountabilities
- Responsible for preparing the annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes
- Provide leadership and oversight to the core accounting, systems and capital financing functions to support the effective stewardship of the Council\’s financial resources
- Streamline the processes for reconciliations, VAT and payroll to ensure the accuracy of the general ledger and analysis of the movement of accounts
- Ensure all statutory returns are completed accurately and timely manner, manage the relationships with auditors at an operational level, managing the audit schedule and raising accounting issues
- Liaise with external auditors and lead the Audit process for various authorities
- Prepare audit working papers including the explanations and supporting working papers for the complex queries
- Lead the development and monitoring of accounts closure processes, including accounting for non-current assets, asset valuations, PFI and leasing
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) (E)
- 5 years experience as Chief Accountant in a local authority setting and a deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements (E)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Immediately available for work
Campaign Timeline
This is an urgent post and is open until filled.
Equality & Diversity Statement
Morgan Law shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidate/temporary worker is submitted for a vacancy or assignment, or in any terms of employment or terms of engagement for temporary workers. Morgan Law will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with the candidate\’s merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required by the particular vacancy.
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Interim Chief Accountant employer: Morgan Law
Contact Detail:
Morgan Law Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific statutory accounting requirements for local authorities. Being well-versed in these regulations will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in leading audit processes and managing relationships with auditors. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in local government finance. Showing that you are informed about the sector can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Chief Accountant, particularly in local authority settings. Emphasise your qualifications (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA) and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage financial resources effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Discuss your experience with preparing annual Statements of Accounts, managing audits, and liaising with external auditors to showcase your suitability for the role.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to various stakeholders in previous positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an accounting position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Chief Accountant, you need to be well-versed in financial statements and statutory accounting requirements. Brush up on your knowledge of the annual Statement of Accounts and be prepared to discuss how you've handled similar responsibilities in the past.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires providing leadership and oversight. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in previous roles, particularly in a local authority setting. Highlight your ability to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about reconciliations, VAT, payroll, and audit processes. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced in these areas and think of solutions you've implemented before. This will show your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex accounting issues. Remember, you may need to explain technical details to non-financial stakeholders.
