Chief Accountant

Nottingham City Council LA; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottingham City Council seeks a lead technical accounting expert to influence decision‑making at the highest level, oversee statutory accounts production and drive continuous improvement in the corporate finance function.

You will provide strategic leadership for technical accounting, financial reporting and statutory returns, acting as principal adviser on accounting standards, CIPFA requirements and IFRS developments while leading the annual external audit process.

Qualifications

• A proven expert in local government accounting and financial reporting.
• Significant experience leading the preparation and audit of statutory accounts in a large, complex organisation.
• CCAB qualified with evidence of continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts.
• Oversee external audit processes and coordinate responses to findings.
• Provide strategic leadership on technical accounting, CIPFA requirements, IFRS developments and statutory returns.
• Act as principal adviser on accounting standards and local government financial reporting regulations.
• Develop and inspire a high-performing finance team.

Skills

Technical accounting

IFRS knowledge

CIPFA Code

Audit leadership

Financial reporting

Team leadership

Education

CCAB qualification

Tools

Oracle Financials

Job description

This is your opportunity to act as the Council's lead technical accounting expert, influencing decision-making at the highest level, oversee the production of statutory accounts and drive continuous improvement across the corporate finance function.

You'll lead the preparation and delivery of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely publication.

Providing strategic leadership for all aspects of technical accounting, financial reporting and statutory returns and acting as the Council's principal adviser on accounting standards, CIPFA requirements, IFRS developments and local government financial reporting regulations.

Leading on the management of the annual external audit process, coordinating the Council's response to audit findings.

You'll interpret complex accounting standards, act as principal adviser on technical accounting, and oversee the integrity of the general ledger and financial systems.

But this role is about more than technical excellence. You'll be the council's operational relationship manager for internal and external audit, ensuring findings are implemented and controls are continuously strengthened. You'll lead and develop a team of finance professionals – coaching, mentoring, and inspiring them to deliver at their best.

The reality of the role:

Nottingham's accounts have been brought up to date, but all recent sets were disclaimed due to the lack of time for auditors to obtain adequate assurance. While a national problem, the past legacy of two separate Section 114 decisions means the council expects a detailed audit that will review past years' transactions. With the Government setting out a minimum three-year path back to unmodified accounts, this is your opportunity to lead the council through that journey – strengthening the corporate finance function and restoring full audit confidence.

You'll be the go-to expert that senior stakeholders turn to for complex accounting advice. You'll influence decision-making at the highest level. And you'll leave behind a legacy of financial integrity that will serve this city for years to come.

You'll bring:

An acknowledged expert in local government accounting, financial reporting and audit. Significant experience leading the preparation and audit of statutory accounts in a large, complex organisation; deep technical knowledge of the CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS; and the leadership skills to inspire a high-performing team. CCAB qualified with evidence of continuing professional development.