Chief Accountant

Ambient People; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK local authority is seeking a skilled Chief Accountant to lead financial transformation during a significant period of change. The role requires a CCAB-qualified professional with deep statutory accounting knowledge and the ability to manage complex financial matters. Responsibilities include overseeing the accounting teams, ensuring the accuracy of accounts, and mentoring the finance team. This opportunity allows for strategic impact and hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level experience in a complex organization.
• Deep understanding of statutory accounting and local government regulations.
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters clearly.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across core accounting teams.
• Ensure accurate production of grouped accounts.
• Lead budget setting and financial planning.
• Maintain oversight of the balance sheet.
• Develop a high-performing finance team.
• Advise senior members on financial matters.

Skills

Senior-level financial management

Budget setting

Communication with stakeholders

Complex financial analysis

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

Overview

Chief Accountant – Guildford Borough Council

Salary : £68,000 - £77,000

Hybrid working

Guildford Borough Council is entering one of the most significant periods of change in its history — and we are looking for a highly skilled Chief Accountant to help shape that future.

Over the next two years, we will move into a shared finance service with Waverley Borough Council, followed by integration into the new West Surrey Unitary Council. This role will be central to managing that transition while ensuring we continue to deliver robust, transparent, and high-performing financial services for our residents.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across our core accounting, systems and capital financing teams.
• Ensure timely, accurate production of the Council’s grouped accounts, working closely with external auditors and senior stakeholders.
• Lead budget setting, medium-term financial planning (MTFS), capital programme oversight and treasury management support.
• Maintain full oversight of the balance sheet, ensuring ongoing financial resilience.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing finance team, embedding strong financial management practices across the organisation.
• Advise senior members, directors and services on complex financial matters in a fast-evolving local government landscape.

Qualifications

You will be a CCAB-qualified finance professional with significant senior-level experience in a complex organisation. You’ll bring a deep understanding of statutory accounting, capital and HRA finances, local government regulatory frameworks, and the ability to communicate with clarity and influence.

Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in the financial transformation of a major UK authority — and to make a strategic impact well beyond day-to-day finance operations.