Senior Accountant in Ipswich

At Suffolk County Council, we’re reimagining what local government can achieve. As a Senior Accountant, you’ll help us to shape Suffolk’s future as we enter this period of change. We are looking for someone who is innovative with a drive for continuous improvement to help us make the best use of our resources. If you’re ready to make a difference, we can use your skills to help deliver positive change across the communities that the Council serves.

Your role and responsibilities

As a key member of our Corporate Finance team, you will play a vital role in shaping the Council’s financial future. Working closely with the Lead Accountant, you will support the production of the Council’s financial statements, lead on statutory returns, coordinate responses across a wide range of services, and help ensure the successful delivery of external audits. You will provide expert technical accounting advice, translating complex financial information into clear and meaningful guidance for non-financial colleagues and senior stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to major organisational change, including Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution, while helping implement new accounting requirements and strengthening financial governance.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about continuous improvement, enjoys finding innovative solutions to challenges, and can play a leading role in driving efficiencies across the finance function. In return, you will have the opportunity to influence key decisions, work collaboratively across the organisation, and make a lasting impact as a senior member of a supportive and forward-thinking finance team.

You will need to be:

• CCAB (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA or CIMA) qualified
• Have a broad base of financial experience and knowledge, preferably gained from a public sector background
• Able to work well as part of a team, mentor and manage staff as required
• Able to competently represent the Chief Financial Officer as required
• Trustworthy, diligent and motivated, and able to work without close supervision
• Someone who welcomes change and can adjust readily to evolving needs and requirements
• Have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain technical/financial information in simple terms

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP) which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You will be part of the Corporate Finance team, a team of thirteen who are responsible for delivering a wide range of effective financial management and reporting responsibilities. You will have a role in mentoring and developing staff in finance and across the Council as they implement process and service changes. You will report to a Lead Accountant within the Corporate Finance team. You will also be part of a wider Finance team who you will work closely and collaboratively with, to achieve common objectives.

Your role in supporting Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution means you will have the opportunity to shape how we work moving forward, both in Finance and more widely. You would be expected to be in the Endeavour House Ipswich office at least two days per week, one of which would be our team day on Tuesdays; we practice hybrid working the rest of the week.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Aran Saltmarsh for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 264296 or emailing aran.saltmarsh@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

• Tell us about a time when you interpreted complex financial legislation, policy, or guidance and explained it to a non-technical audience. What was the result?
• Can you give an example of when you balanced several competing priorities or projects with tight deadlines? How did you organise your workload and ensure successful delivery?
• Tell us about a time when you had to adapt to significant organisational, legislative, or financial change. How did you respond and what contribution did you make to a successful outcome?
• Tell us about a piece of work you are particularly proud of. Briefly describe the task and then explain your role in the task, the skills you displayed during the task and the overall outcome.
• Describe your three best attributes and why they would make you a good fit for this role.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 29 September 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026. 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 (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.