At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Financial Control team and manage key financial operations.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working.
- Other info: Great learning opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant with significant finance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 53460 - 63013 € per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £53,460 - £63,013 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
About the role
This role forms a crucial part of the Finance Management Team, and you will be key to making operational finance decisions. Reporting to the Head of Finance, areas of responsibility will include:
- Assume day to day management of the Financial Control team with direct responsibility for three and a wider team of eight
- Lead on the delivery of Statement of Accounts and be pivotal in transforming processes ensuring a strong internal control environment
- Provide expert financial advice to the Finance Team and across the organisation
- Develop, review and improve strategies, policies and procedures
- Support the Head of Finance in writing and reporting on the Treasury, Capital and Investment Strategies for both councils
- Work with the Systems team to ensure smooth and timely reporting from the finance system as well as enabling self-service for managers for budget management and forecasting.
Qualifications
- Be a fully qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA) with significant finance experience, supporting service teams within the public sector or a similar multi disciplined sector
- Have corporate financial management experience, able to deliver Statement of Accounts to tight deadlines and liaise effectively with external auditors, providing explanations and answering queries
- Be an excellent communicator with experience of reviewing business cases and financial appraisals providing expert advice and recommendations
- Be comfortable dealing with people at all levels and working in a complex and sometimes challenging operating environment
- Be an experienced team leader, personable and patient with the ability to motivate and provide a positive environment
- Focus on delivery and strive for excellence and continual improvement of the finance service.
Benefits
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years)
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs
- Private Health Care Options
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting)
- Great learning and development opportunities
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 12 June 2026.
Safeguarding
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Senior Financial Accountant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a supportive work culture, generous leave entitlements, and flexible working arrangements, staff are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally. The councils offer competitive benefits, including a Local Government Pension Scheme and opportunities for continuous learning, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in local government. 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 your knowledge of financial regulations and best practices. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence and ensure you shine during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and driving improvements in financial processes. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your qualifications and experience that align with the job description, especially your corporate financial management skills and team leadership experience.
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 specific examples of how you've delivered on similar responsibilities in the past, like managing financial controls or liaising with auditors.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing instances where you’ve provided expert financial advice or worked with diverse teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with the Statement of Accounts. Prepare examples of how you've transformed processes or improved internal controls in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you motivated your team or handled challenges effectively. Highlight your ability to create a positive environment and drive excellence in service delivery.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is crucial for this position. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you've provided expert advice to various stakeholders and how you’ve liaised with external auditors in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a complex environment. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough decisions or manage tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
