At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Finance team, manage financial controls, and provide expert financial advice.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community building and collaboration.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, health care options, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Hybrid working model promoting flexibility and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified Accountant with significant public sector finance experience.
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
- Many picturesque market towns
It is no surprise we are ranked among the top 50 places to live in the UK.
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.
For more information
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
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 12 June 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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Senior Financial Accountant in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to equality and diversity, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Join us in a picturesque location known for its conservation areas and vibrant market towns, where you can contribute to building a better future for our residents.
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 public services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils' recent projects and financial strategies. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals right from the start.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Financial Accountant, you'll need to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Try explaining your past experiences to a friend or family member to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, tailored just for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Senior Financial Accountant and how your skills align with our needs.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, be specific! Address how you meet each criterion in the Person Specification. We want to see how your experience makes you the perfect fit for our Finance team.
Keep Your CV Updated:Make sure your CV is up-to-date and highlights relevant experience. Include any qualifications like ACCA or CIMA, and don’t forget to showcase your financial management skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨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 motivated your team or improved processes. Highlight your experience in managing diverse teams and how you foster a positive working environment.
✨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 financial advice to stakeholders and how you handle queries from external auditors.
✨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 your motivation for wanting to make a difference in the community through your work.
