At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial records, support decision-making, and ensure compliance with governance rules.
- Company: Join Telford & Wrekin Council, an award-winning council known for financial excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for career progression and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or studying, with significant finance experience and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Telford & Wrekin Council is a high performing, award winning council with a strong reputation for sound financial management. Our Finance Team plays a critical role in supporting high-quality services for residents and local communities, providing professional advice that enables informed decision-making across the organisation.
The Finance Team manages and develops the council’s financial records, including budgets, management accounts, statutory accounts and government reporting. The team supports service areas with financial advice, analysis and monitoring, ensuring that decisions align with available resources and adhere to governance rules. We are offering an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual to join our Corporate & Capital Finance team at Senior Accountant level.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the closure of accounts and production of the Statutory Financial Statements.
- Review financial controls and drive improvements to key financial processes.
- Lead, maintain and continuously improve IFRS 16 Lease accounting processes ensuring robust controls and support documentation are in place.
- Support the Group Accountant – Corporate Finance in overseeing the Councils Fixed Asset Register finance processes ensuring accuracy, consistency and compliance.
- Ensuring compliance with IFRS and CIPFA's Code of Practice for Local Government Accounting.
- Providing robust financial guidance to services across the council, championing strong financial governance and consistency.
- Support the Treasury function including oversight of borrowing, investments and cashflow, alongside governance of complex financing arrangements and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
You will work closely with senior stakeholders from within the finance team with opportunities to develop strong professional relationships with colleagues across the organisation.
Leadership & Team Management
Reporting to the Group Accountant – Corporate Finance, you will have day to day line management responsibility for a small team of Finance Officers, providing supervision, guidance and development while ensuring high standards of service delivery. This role offers a strong opportunity to further develop leadership capability alongside advanced technical expertise.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- CCAB qualification (fully qualified or actively studying) with up to date CPD.
- Significant finance experience including producing Statement of Accounts, ideally within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
- Experience acting as the financial lead for a service area or equivalent portfolio.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organisation and the ability to meet demanding deadlines.
- The ability to analyse and interpret complex financial information and present it clearly to senior officers and Members.
- A proactive, solutions focused approach to problem solving.
- Strong ICT skills and confidence using financial and corporate systems (Experience of Unit4 ERP is desirable).
We believe great services start with great people — and that means building a workforce that reflects our community. At Telford & Wrekin Council, everyone belongs, and every voice matters.
What we offer:
- Competitive salaries and a fantastic leave package — starting at 24 days, rising to 32 days with service, plus 8 bank holidays and an extra concessionary day to enjoy.
- Flexible working & career progression.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Staff discounts & salary sacrifice perks.
- Free parking & confidential wellbeing support.
- Payment of professional fees, exam fees and study support.
- Hybrid working model - whether you're in the office or working from home, we support a balance that fits your personal and family commitments.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact: Simon Field – simon.field@telford.gov.uk | 01952 383703 Edward Rushton – edward.rushton@telford.gov.uk | 01952 383750
Please note: We do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Senior Accountant in Telford employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant in Telford
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
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