Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Chief Accountant in maintaining financial systems and ensuring accurate reporting.
- Company: Oxfordshire County Council, dedicated to positive change and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with experience in complex organisations and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Join a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Oxfordshire County Council is committed to leading positive change and making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county. We work in partnership with local communities, public sector organisations, and businesses to deliver high-quality services that support the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents. Our vision is underpinned by a set of clear priorities, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services. Oxfordshire is proud of its diverse communities. We are dedicated to promoting equality, supporting vulnerable people, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our teams are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference for the people who live and work here. Join us and be part of an organisation that values learning, kindness, integrity, and the courage to do things differently.
About the Role
As Deputy Chief Accountant, you will support the Chief Accountant in maintaining and improving the council’s financial accounting systems and ensuring accurate, timely statutory reporting. You will coordinate the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts, manage the final accounts timetable, and liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver information to strict deadlines. You will oversee the management of fixed asset reporting, capital balance sheet accounts, and ensure compliance with legislative and professional requirements. The role includes preparing capital accounting elements for final accounts, completing government returns, and working closely with external auditors. You will also maintain oversight of revenue hierarchies, support the development of finance policies and procedures, and manage a small team of Assistant Accountants. This is a flexible role, offering the opportunity to work across various locations in Oxfordshire in line with the council’s agile working policy. You will play a key part in ensuring the council’s financial integrity and supporting high-quality public service delivery.
About you
You are a CCAB qualified accountant with experience in planning and producing accounts for large, complex organisations within a statutory framework. You have a good understanding of financial policy, practices, and legislation, and possess excellent knowledge of capital accounting regulations. You are confident working with external auditors and have strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate, and build productive relationships at all levels. Your credibility enables you to work effectively in a political environment and engage with senior managers, colleagues, and partners. You are organised, proactive, and able to coordinate and deliver to tight deadlines. You are comfortable managing and supporting a team, and you thrive in a flexible, agile working environment.
Rewards and benefits
At OCC, you’ll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.
- Hybrid working - typically 3-4 days per month in our Oxford office for team collaboration, with flexibility to suit your role and lifestyle
- Culture of flexible working
- Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
- Technology to support agile working
- Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support
- Generous annual leave - Up to 33 days plus
Deputy Chief Accountant in Oxford employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Accountant in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the Deputy Chief Accountant role. Attend local events or webinars related to public finance to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the council's priorities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of capital accounting regulations and financial policies. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and ensure you can articulate your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder management skills during interviews. Think of examples where you've influenced decisions or built relationships with senior managers. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a political environment, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to make Oxfordshire a greener and fairer place.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Accountant in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Deputy Chief Accountant role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in financial accounting and stakeholder management have made a difference in your previous roles. We want to see your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your achievements and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Deputy Chief Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial accounting. Brush up on key financial principles and be ready to discuss your experience with capital accounting regulations. Prepare examples of how you've managed complex accounts or resolved issues with external auditors.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves liaising with various stakeholders, so it’s crucial to highlight your communication and relationship-building skills. Think of specific instances where you’ve influenced decisions or negotiated effectively. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging conversations with senior managers or partners.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
With tight deadlines and multiple responsibilities, showcasing your organisational abilities is key. Prepare to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might even want to share a story about a time you successfully coordinated a project under pressure.
✨Embrace the Council's Values
Oxfordshire County Council values kindness, integrity, and innovation. Familiarise yourself with these values and think about how they resonate with your own work ethic. During the interview, express your commitment to promoting equality and supporting vulnerable communities, as this aligns with their mission.
