Senior Accountant - MOR11988
Job Description
The Senior Accountant is responsible for the provision of technical accounting advice to the Accountancy section and to the Deputy Section 95 Officer. The role has a significant coordinating function in relation to the preparation of the Annual Accounts, capital and revenue monitoring, treasury management support and the Council’s financial planning processes as agreed with the Service Managers.
\nThe postholder also has responsibility for the line management, development and performance management of Accountants, and assists the Service Managers in the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service.
\nRequirements\n
Provide senior professional and technical accounting advice to support the preparation of the Annual Report and Abstract of Accounts and liaise with External Audit as required.
\nProvide senior professional support to the Council’s capital and treasury management activities, including capital monitoring, prudential indicators and liaison with treasury advisers, in support of the Service Manager(s).
\nSupport the Council’s financial planning and budget monitoring processes, including revenue and capital reporting, and contribute to the development of medium to long‑term financial planning.
\nPrepare and present financial reports to senior management and Committees and provide professional financial advice to Elected Members where required.
\nProvide representation for Financial Services on corporate and cross-service working groups and project boards.
\nProvide professional leadership within the Accountancy service, including oversight of accounting standards, technical guidance, training and continuous professional development.
\nLine manage designated Accountants and contribute to the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service in support of the Service Manager(s).
\nThe duties of the Senior Accountant role are undertaken collectively by two postholders. Lead responsibility for specific functional areas (such as annual accounts, capital, treasury management or financial planning) will be allocated by the Service Manager(s) and may change over time to reflect service priorities, resilience and development needs.
\nThe Individual\n
Post-qualifying experience in a public sector finance department
\nSignificant supervisory or managerial experience in a Finance environment.
\nFully qualified CCAB or CIMA Accountant
\nAbility to interpret, apply and explain technical policies, procedures, guidance and legislation
\nStrong written and oral communications skills and an ability to deal effectively with queries and provide advice
\nSelf-confident and self-motivated
\nComputer literate with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
\nStrong organisational and time management skills
\nStrong customer focus
\nYou will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the service. Due to the rural nature of Moray this is normally undertaken by use of a car/van
\nCommitted and able to work under own initiative
\nAbility to manage personal workload and that of others, address conflicting priorities, meet deadlines (statutory and internal) working to a high degree of accuracy
\nPolitically sensitive and astute
\nAbility to write clear, concise and easily understandable reports for Senior Officers and Members
\nExperience of working under pressure and delivering work to deadlines
\nAbility to establish confidence, credibility and trust
\nAbility to contribute to the development of financial policies
\nA flexible approach to new working practices and technology
\nAppreciation, acceptance of and commitment to the importance of confidentiality
\nAbility to motivate and monitor staff
\nStrong leadership and supportive approach to team members
\nAn ability to work as part of a management team delivering services
\nFlexibility to meet the needs and demands of the service
\nAbility to work in a shared office and at home
\nAbility to work in different offices depending on the needs of the service
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Closing Date: Friday 31 July 2026
\nStarting Salary: £52,478.40
\nHours per week: 36.25
\n£27.84 per hour
\nPrevious applicants need not apply (MOR11811)
\nProposed Interview Date: TBC
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For further information, contact Susan Souter, [email protected] / 07971 879249
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