Chief Accountant

Luton Council; Luton; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Luton Council is seeking a dynamic Chief Accountant to transform financial leadership in a diverse and ambitious town. This pivotal role involves developing Luton’s accounting framework, leading a skilled team, and providing strategic financial advice—all while ensuring compliance with best practices in public sector finance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Mental health and wellbeing support

Unlimited training and mentoring

25 days annual leave (up to 32 days)

Generous employer pension contributions

Relocation package up to £8,000

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing complex financial systems within public sector.
• Ability to balance technical rigor with forward-thinking leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of corporate accounting framework and financial policies.
• Act as Deputy Section 151 Officer ensuring compliance across the Council.
• Manage a team of 16 to deliver high-quality corporate accountancy services.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Financial Administration

Public Sector Experience

Compliance Management

Education

Qualified CCAB Accountant

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from Luton Council

Salary: Up to £74,667 plus £5,000 Market supplement and £3,203 Car benefit.

Closing date: Sunday, 06 July 2025 23:30

Join a council that’s transforming lives through financial leadership and innovation. We’re investing in our finance team – and we’re looking for exceptional professionals who want to make a measurable impact in a complex, rewarding public sector environment. Whether you're leading a high-performing team or guiding multi-million-pound strategies, you'll be shaping outcomes for one of the UK’s most diverse and ambitious towns.

We’re looking for a dynamic, strategic and influential Chief Accountant to lead on the development and application of Luton’s corporate accounting framework and financial policies.

This is a pivotal leadership role where you’ll:

• Determine and maintain the Council’s accounting policies in line with CIPFA standards and best practice.

• Act as Deputy Section 151 Officer, ensuring robust, compliant financial administration across the Council.

• Lead a team of 16, delivering high-quality corporate accountancy services and setting the tone for excellence across all financial reporting.

• Oversee the preparation of the revenue budget and capital programme, and manage the closure of accounts and external audit processes.

• Support transformation across the Council by providing expert financial advice to senior officers, members, and external partners – including on LLAL financials.

You’ll need to be a qualified CCAB accountant with significant experience in managing complex financial systems and strategic planning within a political or public sector setting. This is a role for someone who can balance technical rigour with forward-thinking leadership.

Employee benefits

At Luton Council, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you make a real difference in our communities.

When you join us, you’ll become part of a close-knit team, working alongside talented, passionate people. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, trusted, and encouraged to thrive.

• Work/life balance: enjoy flexible working options, including remote work opportunities, to help balance professional and personal commitments.

• Mental health and wellbeing: get free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Career progression and development: we support your growth with unlimited training, mentoring and clear career pathways, whether in leadership or specialist roles.

• Equality, diversity and inclusion: we foster an inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all, where everyone feels valued.

• Generous annual leave: start with 25 days annual leave (up to 32 days based on service and grade). Plus, take advantage of our 'buying annual leave' scheme to purchase up to 20 extra days.

• Pension scheme: generous employer contributions up to 20.2% and a 3x salary death-in-service grant.

• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).

• Staff offers: including discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons, and great value saving on local bus travel.

For more about working for Luton BC, visit https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Jobs_and_careers/recruitment/Pages/The-benefits-of-working-for-us.aspx

Please apply using the following link:

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Andrew Barton on [e-mail] / D [phone]

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other and Finance

• Industries

  Government Administration and Financial Services

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