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- Tasks: Lead the financial accounting team and manage the Council's accounts with precision.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to financial excellence and community service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while advancing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualification and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Engage with senior stakeholders and enhance your expertise in financial regulations.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Team: Finance & Technical Accounting
Management Group: Finance and Corporate Services
Reports to: Deputy Director of Finance and Property
Responsible for: This role has overall responsibility for managing staff up to 10 FTE.
Main Purpose of the Job:
- 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 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 provides 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.
Qualifications: CCAB qualification required.
This is a hybrid role and the postholder will be required to come to the office once per week plus attendance at evening meetings as required.
Chief Accountant - Bexley20 - Interims employer: PACER GROUP
Contact Detail:
PACER GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Accountant - Bexley20 - Interims
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at councils or similar organisations. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a job offer before it even gets advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial accounting regulations and the specific challenges faced by local councils. We want you to be the go-to expert they need, so show them you know your stuff!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest roles listed there, and it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar faces from our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Accountant - Bexley20 - Interims
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Accountant role. Highlight your experience in financial accounting and any relevant qualifications, like your CCAB certification. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with financial controls and managing relationships with external auditors, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since you'll be managing a team, it's important to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about how you've successfully led teams in the past and how you can bring that expertise to our finance team at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at PACER GROUP
✨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 theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a team of up to 10 FTE, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or improved team performance. This will help interviewers see you as a capable leader who can inspire and guide others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to financial controls, reconciliations, and VAT issues. Review common scenarios and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to handle complex financial situations.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since you'll be liaising with external auditors and presenting to directors, showing strong interpersonal skills is key. Practice engaging with your interviewers, maintaining eye contact, and asking insightful questions. This will help you come across as approachable and confident, which is essential for the role.
