Chief Financial Accountant

Your new company

Progressive council serving thriving coastal, rural and market town communities
Your new role

Chief Financial Accountant
Hybrid 2 days on site
£50,000 to £60,000

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Chief Financial Accountant to join a well-established district council based in the beautiful coastal area of the East of England. The area boasts stunning countryside, vibrant market towns and a strong sense of community, while remaining well-connected to Norwich, Cambridge and London.
This is a key technical finance role, leading on statutory accounts, external audit, treasury-related matters, financial governance, and supporting the organisation through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance and Assets, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the council maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship and compliance.
You will be responsible for:

• Leading the annual Statement of Accounts process and year-end closure programme.
• Managing the relationship with external auditors and acting as the council's primary audit contact.
• Coordinating the production of high-quality audit working papers and supporting documentation.
• Providing expert technical accounting advice to senior officers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, accounting standards, CIPFA guidance and governance requirements.
• Supporting budget setting processes and annual Council Tax determination.
• Overseeing government returns and statutory financial submissions.
• Managing the council's insurance arrangements and associated claims processes.
• Leading responses to financial consultations and monitoring emerging legislative and accounting developments.
• Supporting and contributing to Local Government Reorganisation workstreams and technical accounting requirements.
• Building strong relationships across services to promote sound financial management and governance.

What you'll need to succeed

• CCAB qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Significant experience within a local government finance environment.
• Extensive knowledge of local authority finance and accounting requirements.
• Strong understanding of statutory accounts production and year-end processes.
• Experience managing or coordinating external audit activities.
• Excellent knowledge of local government financial legislation, accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, report writing and presentation skills.
• Experience providing professional financial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

Desirable

• Knowledge of treasury management and capital finance regulations.
• Understanding of Business Rates Retention, Council Tax and Collection Fund accounting.
• Experience leading service improvement or finance transformation initiatives.
• Previous involvement in Local Government Reorganisation programmes.
• Team leadership or management experience.
• Procurement and contract management knowledge.

What you'll get in return
Flexible working options available.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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