Lead Accountant FTC in Plymouth

Plymouth City Council is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, motivated, and outgoing individual to join our Capital and Treasury Management team as a Lead Accountant. This key role works closely with the Lead Accountancy Manager and two other Lead Accountants, contributing to the financial stewardship of major city‑wide initiatives and supporting a positive, forward‑thinking team environment. The Council’s approved 5‑year Capital Programme totals approximately £350 million, including transformational projects such as Armada Way, National Marine Park, Civic Centre regeneration and major road infrastructure schemes.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Treasury management – overseeing the Council’s investments, borrowing, and cashflow.
• Supporting the delivery of a complex capital programme, including attending senior management and capital project meetings.
• Working closely with project officers to ensure financial oversight of major capital projects.
• Managing capital financing, including monitoring capital grants, Section 106 contributions, and other funding sources.
• Helping the Council manage financial risk and use resources effectively.
• Leading on workload planning and resource prioritisation across your team.

What makes this role exciting?

You’ll be working on some of the biggest and most exciting projects Plymouth has ever seen. As a city with ambition, Plymouth has bold plans around regeneration, infrastructure, housing, and sustainability. From major capital investments to transformative service reviews, your work will directly support change that benefits residents, businesses and communities. You will be joining a supportive and experienced team that takes an active pride in developing colleagues in new areas of work and brings your own experience and knowledge to shape the delivery of a quality finance service.

Why Plymouth?

Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city with a strong sense of community and a bold vision for the future. Set between the sea and Dartmoor National Park, it offers an incredible quality of life, whether you enjoy culture, coastlines, or countryside. As one of the South West’s fastest‑growing cities, it’s a brilliant place to build your career, get involved in meaningful projects and make a difference.

What We’re Looking For

• Part‑qualified CCAB accountant (or equivalent), or fully qualified AAT with strong local government finance experience.
• A commitment to achieving full CCAB qualification within five years.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work flexibly and efficiently, managing competing priorities and delivering high‑quality work under pressure.
• Collaborative team player, keen to support colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment.
• Experience in line management and a commitment to developing and supporting team members.

Why join us?

We’ll support your continued professional development and give you space to grow. Whether you’re working toward full qualification, building leadership skills or getting involved in major projects, this is a role where you can make your mark. You’ll join a friendly, collaborative finance team focused on delivering great outcomes for Plymouth.

This role is not suitable for flexible working subject to the needs of the service.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or have been an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.