At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Financial Control team and drive financial performance for our councils.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community building and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a competitive pension scheme, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion, offering great learning and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while supporting your local community.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant with significant experience in corporate financial management.
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.
Join our team
We are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our Finance team. You will be joining our Finance Team at an exciting time as we look to transform the service we offer to stakeholders and drive forward financial performance. If you share our values and you are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
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
About you
You will:
- 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
About us
At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work, with 60 conservation areas, two National Landscapes and many picturesque market towns.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 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
Our ways of working
We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
Contact
If you wish to discuss the Hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact David Feveyear-Ward to arrange a conversation by emailing david.feveyear-ward@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk.
For more information, please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 12 June 2026
How to apply
Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history; supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification; CV is attached to your application.
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 — Hybrid & Team Lead in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to community service, we empower our team members to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. Join us in a picturesque location that boasts rich natural beauty and a collaborative spirit, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant — Hybrid & Team Lead in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in public services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to financial management and team leadership. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or strategies you've developed. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experience during interviews.
✨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 joining our team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant — Hybrid & Team Lead in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Senior Financial Accountant role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Finance team and help us transform our services!
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a fully qualified Accountant, don’t forget to emphasise your qualifications like ACCA, CIMA, or similar. We’re looking for someone with significant finance experience, so let’s see that shine through in your application!
Address the Criteria:In your supporting statement, clearly address how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification. We love it when applicants take the time to connect their experiences directly to what we’re looking for!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us smoothly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there to make your application stand out.
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 metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial controls in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've delivered Statements of Accounts under tight deadlines.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your ability to create a positive environment and how you handle challenges.
✨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 stakeholders and how you’ve liaised with external auditors effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are passionate about community building. Research their values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to share why you’re motivated to make a difference for residents and how you can contribute to their mission.
