Chief Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is looking for a Chief Accountant to be responsible for the programming administration quality and control of the Business Support Team and Technical Accounts function. The ideal candidate will manage the preparation of Annual Statements of Accounts for both Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council. Key responsibilities include budget management, liaising with auditors, and supervising accounting teams. Applicants must have at least 5 years of post-CCAB qualification experience and strong knowledge of local authority finance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years post-CCAB qualification experience.
• Proven experience in preparing and producing Statements of Accounts.
• Demonstrable experience of managing and developing staff.
• Strong track record of budget management and monitoring.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles IFRS and local authority finance.
• Experience of working in a complex financial environment preferably within the public sector.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Annual Statement of Accounts for each Council.
• Manage and mentor the Technical Accountant.
• Develop and monitor the Final Accounts Timetable.
• Implement a performance management framework.
• Support the Financial Services Manager in coordinating budgets.
• Monitor progress against budget savings.
• Liaise with external auditors regarding annual accounts.
• Administer the overhead management system.
• Oversee the Fixed Asset Register.
• Act as an authorised signatory.
• Oversee the Capital Programme.
• Supervise the Systems and Reconciliation Team.
• Maintain and control the general ledger.
• Manage the corporate finance budgets.
• Maintain and monitor the grants register.
• Advise Service Managers and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Undertake any reasonable duties as required.

Skills

Mold Remediation

Succession Planning

Employee Evaluation

Basic Math

Host / Hostess Experience

Restoration

Restoration Industry Experience

Water Damage Restoration

Emergency Management

Auto Restoration

Fire Restoration

Financial Report Interpretation

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

The Chief Accountant is responsible for the programming administration quality and control of the Business Support Team and Technical Accounts function including Treasury Management for both Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare the Annual Statement of Accounts for each Council in line with current accounting standards (IFRS CIPFA Code or equivalent) and statutory deadlines.

Manage and mentor the Technical Accountant in supporting accounts preparation.

Develop and monitor the Final Accounts Timetable ensuring clear roles and adherence to deadlines.

Implement a performance management framework for final accounts and budget monitoring.

Support the Financial Services Manager in coordinating General Fund Estimates Housing Revenue Accounts and corporate budgets.

Monitor progress against budget savings identifying and reporting variances.

Liaise with external auditors regarding annual accounts accounting changes and systems.

Administer the overhead management system calculating and allocating recharges.

Oversee the Fixed Asset Register ensuring compliance with accounting standards and accurate depreciation.

Act as an authorised signatory on bank mandates invoices and purchase requisitions.

Oversee the Shared Treasury Management Service ensuring cover compliance and effective cash management.

Approve borrowing and lending transactions in accordance with the Treasury Management Policy.

Oversee the Capital Programme for both Councils ensuring effective administration.

Supervise the Systems and Reconciliation Team ensuring reconciliations system maintenance and development are effectively managed.

Maintain and control the general ledger ensuring appropriate controls and timely period closures.

Manage the corporate finance budgets for both authorities.

Maintain and monitor the grants register ensuring accurate recording and allocation.

Advise Service Managers Assistant Directors and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on accounting systems and compliance with Financial Regulations.

Arrange publication and public inspection of the Statement of Accounts responding to public queries.

Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Assistant Director Finance and Customer Services or the Chief Finance Officer.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years post-CCAB qualification experience.

Proven experience in preparing and producing Statements of Accounts.

Demonstrable experience of managing and developing staff.

Strong track record of budget management and monitoring.

Thorough knowledge of accounting principles IFRS and local authority finance.

Experience of working in a complex financial environment preferably within the public sector.

Key Skills

• Mold Remediation
• Succession Planning
• Employee Evaluation
• Basic Math
• Host / Hostess Experience
• Restoration
• Restoration Industry Experience
• Water Damage Restoration
• Emergency Management
• Auto Restoration
• Fire Restoration
• Financial Report Interpretation

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1