Chief Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority seeks a Chief Accountant for a 6-month contract to oversee financial management and reporting. The role involves managing up to 10 staff members, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining senior relationships with auditors. The ideal candidate will be CCAB-qualified with extensive experience in local government accounting. This temporary position offers hybrid working, requiring at least one day on site at the Bexley Civic Offices, with a competitive salary of £97 per month.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing financial controls and preparing reconciliations.
• Proven track record of leading and developing financial teams.
• Strong financial systems knowledge including system improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Councils Annual Statement of Accounts.
• Act as the primary technical expert for financial accounting regulations.
• Manage relationships with External Auditors and coordinate audit activities.

Skills

Extensive experience in local government financial accounting

Knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice

Skills in capital accounting

Ability to present complex information

Excellent analytical skills

Experience managing VAT returns

Education

CCAB-qualified accountant

Job description

Job Summary

6 months contract with a Local Authority

The Chief Accountant will lead the Councils Financial & Technical Accounting function overseeing the production of the Single Entity and Group Accounts managing the Councils financial control framework and acting as the organisations 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 Councils core financial systems driving improvements in reporting and controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Councils 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 Councils 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 Councils Balance Sheet ensuring accuracy and strong financial governance.
• Act as system owner for the Councils 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.

Required Skills

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.

Required Education

CCAB-qualified accountant (essential).

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

Monthly Salary

Salary: 97 - 97