Chief Financial Accountant

Your new companyProgressive council serving thriving coastal, rural and market town communitiesYour new roleChief Financial AccountantHybrid 2 days on site £50,000 to £60,000An 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:

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

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

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• Knowledge of treasury management and capital finance regulations.
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• Understanding of Business Rates Retention, Council Tax and Collection Fund accounting.
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• Experience leading service improvement or finance transformation initiatives.
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• Previous involvement in Local Government Reorganisation programmes.
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• Team leadership or management experience.
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• Procurement and contract management knowledge.
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What you'll get in returnFlexible working options available.What you need to do nowIf 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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