Chief Accountant

Allen Lane; London Borough of Harrow; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Accountant to lead financial operations within Local Government. This pivotal role involves managing the Council's accounts, ensuring compliance with audit requirements, and overseeing a dedicated finance team. The successful candidate will drive financial system improvements, provide VAT and tax advice, and contribute to corporate financial strategies. Join a diverse and vibrant community in Harrow, where your expertise will shape the financial landscape and support the local government in achieving its objectives. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional looking to make a real impact.

Qualifications

• Hold a CCAB accountancy qualification or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of financial accounting in Local Authorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Technical Finance team and oversee the Statement of Accounts.
• Manage compliance with statutory guidance and quality-assure financial returns.

Skills

Financial Accounting

Team Management

VAT/Tax Compliance

Statutory Reporting

Technical Accounting Skills

Education

CCAB Accountancy Qualification

Job description

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Base pay range

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Permanent Finance Recruitment within Local Government (UK)

Job Title: Chief Accountant

Location: London Borough of Harrow, Forward Drive, Harrow, HA3 8FL

Employment Type: Permanent

Harrow is one of the most diverse places in the country. It is the 12th largest London Borough in terms of geographical area covering an area of approximately 50 sq km and over a quarter of the borough consists of open space, much of which is designated green belt or Metropolitan Open Land. Harrow has a strong entrepreneurial tradition with over 16,140 businesses located in the borough. It is well connected to London and the rest of the UK.

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to join as Chief Accountant, responsible for leading all financial aspects related to the Council’s accounts, including the year-end closedown, production of the Statement of Accounts, and ensuring compliance with audit requirements and statutory reporting standards. The role involves managing a team handling the Asset Register, Collection Fund, VAT/Tax matters, and statutory returns, while also serving as the main contact for external auditors. Additionally, they will contribute to corporate financial strategies and manage external contracts, offering expert advice to internal committees.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Lead the Technical Finance team and report to the Assistant Director of Finance, overseeing the delivery of the Statement of Accounts, commercial reporting for Harrow-owned companies, and engagement with external auditors.
• Manage the closure timetable, ensure compliance with statutory guidance (e.g., CIPFA, HMRC), and quality-assure working papers and key financial returns including capital grants and business rates.
• Maintain the Council’s Asset Register, manage balance sheet codes, oversee regular reconciliations (bank, payroll, petty cash, suspense), and track error trends in the general ledger.
• Drive financial system improvements, support accurate first-time data entry, and lead projects that automate and enhance the year-end closure process, incorporating auditor feedback.
• Provide VAT/Tax advice, develop statutory reporting guidance, deliver training on accounting updates, and support internal process reviews to strengthen financial control.
• Oversee the production of monthly debtor reports, Collection Fund accounting, and annual Support Service Charters, ensuring data is timely, accurate, and consolidated.
• Undertake additional responsibilities aligned with the seniority and scope of the post as required.

To be considered for this role, you must hold a CCAB accountancy qualification (or an equivalent) and possess a strong understanding of financial accounting and governance in a Local Authority setting. You should have advanced technical accounting skills and the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to non-finance colleagues and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also have experience in developing financial processes, writing reports, and managing a team effectively.

For more information about the role please refer to Home | Harrow or for a confidential discussion contact Rob Phillips at Allen Lane - [e-mail] or 07921 336 507.

To apply, please submit your CV to [e-mail] alongside a supporting statement (no more than two pages) stating why you are interested in applying, what you can bring to this role and highlighting your relevant experience and suitability.

Equal opportunities

Harrow Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Harrow Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Accounting/Auditing and Finance

• Industries

  Government Administration

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