Chief Accountant

6 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• The Chief Accountant will lead the Council’s Financial & Technical Accounting function, overseeing the production of the Single Entity and Group Accounts, managing the Council’s financial control framework, and acting as the organisation’s primary expert on financial accounting regulations.

• The post holder will manage a team of up to 10 FTE, maintain senior-level relationships with External Auditors, lead capital and asset accounting processes, oversee VAT, and ensure robust balance sheet management.

• They will also act as system owner for the Council’s core financial systems, driving improvements in reporting and controls.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council’s Annual Statement of Accounts (Single Entity and Group Accounts).

• Act as the primary technical expert for financial accounting regulations, advising the Section 151 Officer.

• Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls and ensure timely completion of all reconciliations.

• Manage senior-level relationships with External Auditors, coordinating audit activity and resolving issues.

• Lead year-end capital and asset accounting processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards.

• Provide expert financial accounting advice to budget holders and finance colleagues, supporting major business cases and financial modelling.

• Oversee completion of VAT returns and provide specialist VAT guidance across the organisation.

• Maintain responsibility for the Council’s Balance Sheet, ensuring accuracy and strong financial governance.

• Act as system owner for the Council’s core financial systems, driving improvements and enhancing reporting capability.

• Manage, develop and support a team of up to 10 FTE, promoting high performance and professional standards.

• Present complex financial information clearly to directors, councillors and senior stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, CIPFA/IFRS regulations and internal policies.

Skills/Experience:

• Extensive experience in local government financial accounting, including year-end accounts and external audit liaison.

• Strong knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS, local government accounting frameworks and statutory reporting.

• Demonstrable experience managing financial controls and preparing reconciliations.

• Skilled in capital accounting, asset accounting and balance sheet management.

• Experience managing VAT returns and providing technical VAT advice.

• Proven track record of leading and developing financial teams.

• Ability to present complex financial information to senior officers and elected members.

• Strong financial systems knowledge, including system improvement and reporting development.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills.

• Ability to work at senior level, manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy.

Additional Information:

• The closing date: 12/12/2025.

• CCAB-qualified accountant (essential).

• Temporary role (26 weeks), 36 hours per week.

• Hybrid working: minimum one day per week in the Bexley Civic Offices, plus evening meetings as required.