Chief Accountant

Devon County Council; Exeter; On-site; GBP 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Chief Accountant to lead statutory accounting and provide strategic financial leadership. The ideal candidate will have local government experience, strong leadership abilities, and be fully qualified (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent). This role offers an opportunity to impact a diverse community while fostering a collaborative work environment. The position provides a competitive salary of £72,435, flexible working options, and relocation support for exceptional candidates.

Benefits

Relocation packages

Flexible working options

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Significant local government experience is essential.
• Knowledge of CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice and IFRS is required.
• Experience in delivering statutory accounts for large organisations.

Responsibilities

• Drive excellence in financial reporting and compliance.
• Oversee strategic accounting for revenue, capital, and Devon Pension Fund.
• Provide expert financial advice to senior leaders.

Skills

Strong leadership

Excellent communication skills

Ability to influence

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent)

Job description

Job description

Salary: £72,435

Relocation packages are available for exceptional candidates out of area.

Do it to Lead Strategic Accounting at the Heart of Local Government. Do it for Devon.

Are you ready to lead on statutory accounting for one of the largest local authorities in the country? Devon County Council is seeking an exceptional Chief Accountant to provide strategic financial leadership and ensure the highest standards of compliance and governance.

About the role

As the Council's statutory accounting lead, you will:

• Drive excellence in financial reporting and ensure compliance with regulatory developments.
• Oversee strategic and compliant accounting for revenue, capital and ethe Devon Pension Fund.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders and elected Members on complex financial matters.
• Lead a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Devon is proud to be an CIPFA Platinum Accredited Employer, ACCA Approved Employer, and a CIMA Premier Partner. We are dedicated to supporting your professional qualifications and ongoing development, offering a strong team spirit and a positive culture within a challenging yet genuinely supportive and collaborative environment.

About you

You’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding the Council's financial integrity, influencing multi-million-pound budgets, and shaping long-term financial sustainability. This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a challenging and rewarding environment.

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or equivalent) with significant local government experience.
• In-depth knowledge of CIPFA/LASAAC Code of Practice and IFRS.
• Proven ability to deliver statutory accounts and manage external audits for large organisations.
• Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills to operate at the highest level.

Why Devon?

Devon County Council is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Whether you're drawn to the coast, countryside, or vibrant city life, Devon has something for everyone. We offer a modern, dynamic workplace with flexible working options and relocation support to help you settle in.

Serving over 800,000 residents across a diverse and thriving county, Devon County Council is proud to make a real difference. We provide rewarding careers, competitive salaries, generous leave, and flexible working arrangements. Join us to shape policy, influence service delivery, and help build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous future for all.

For an informal discussion please contact Kathryn Long on [e-mail]

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Additional information

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).