Chief Accountant

Civic Recruitment Limited; Redditch; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is recruiting for a strategic and operational leader of the corporate accounting function for Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council. You will oversee the production of Statements of Accounts, treasury management, balance sheet control and financial governance.

The role requires CCAB qualification, 5+ years post-qualification experience, and extensive local authority finance knowledge to drive financial sustainability and regulatory compliance across

Qualifications

• Fully CCAB Qualified Accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience within Local Authority Finance.
• Extensive experience preparing and delivering local authority Statements of Accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the annual Statement of Accounts for both Councils.
• Oversee treasury management activities and balance sheet control.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and governance across both authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Problem-solving

Education

Fully CCAB Qualified

Job description

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre‑screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well‑positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and operational leadership for the corporate accounting function across Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality financial management, statutory reporting, treasury management and financial governance.

The postholder will lead the production of the annual Statements of Accounts, manage the councils' treasury management activities, oversee balance sheet control and financial systems, and provide expert financial advice to senior leaders, managers and stakeholders. The role will play a key part in maintaining financial sustainability, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement across both authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the annual Statement of Accounts for both Councils.

Ensure compliance with:

• IFRS
• CIPFA Codes of Practice
• Local Authority Accounting Requirements
• Statutory Reporting Deadlines
• Manage year‑end closedown processes and financial reporting activities.
• Liaise with external auditors throughout the audit process.
• Respond to audit queries and implement recommendations where required.

Treasury Management & Corporate Accounting

• Lead treasury management activities across both authorities.
• Oversee borrowing, investments and cashflow management.
• Ensure compliance with Treasury Management regulations and strategies.

Maintain responsibility for:

• Balance Sheet Management
• Fixed Asset Registers
• Capital Accounting
• Corporate Finance Budgets
• General Ledger Controls
• Authorise financial transactions and monitor financial controls.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Support the annual budget‑setting process.
• Coordinate budget preparation activities across service areas.
• Monitor revenue and capital budgets.
• Support medium and long‑term financial planning.
• Monitor delivery of savings and efficiency programmes.
• Provide robust financial forecasts and analysis.
• Oversee financial reconciliations and control accounts.
• Ensure strong financial governance and internal control arrangements.
• Support financial systems development and process improvements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and accounting systems.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial management processes.

Leadership & Management

Manage and develop the Corporate Accounting team including:

• Technical Accountant
• Systems Accountant
• Provide leadership, coaching and professional support to staff.
• Monitor team performance and support professional development.
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and excellence.

Stakeholder Management

Provide strategic financial advice to:

• Service Managers
• Elected Members
• External Stakeholders
• Present complex financial information clearly and effectively.
• Build strong relationships with auditors, regulators and partner organisations.
• Support corporate decision‑making through high‑quality financial analysis.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and statutory requirements.
• Maintain robust governance, risk management and financial assurance arrangements.
• Support corporate and directorate objectives through effective financial leadership.
• Contribute to the long‑term financial sustainability of both authorities.

Requirements

• Fully CCAB Qualified Accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' post‑qualification experience.
• Significant experience within Local Authority Finance.
• Extensive experience preparing and delivering local authority Statements of Accounts.

Strong knowledge of:

• IFRS
• CIPFA Accounting Codes
• Local Government Finance
• Treasury Management
• Capital Accounting
• Budget Management
• Experience managing teams within a complex finance environment.
• Experience working with external auditors and managing audits.
• Experience overseeing financial systems, controls and reconciliations.
• Strong budget management and financial planning experience.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Ability to provide strategic financial leadership and advice.
• Previous Chief Accountant or Deputy Chief Accountant experience.
• Experience working across multiple local authorities.
• Treasury Management qualification or specialist experience.
• Experience leading finance transformation and systems improvement projects.
• Experience supporting corporate strategy and organisational change programmes.

Additional Information

• Location: Bromsgrove / Redditch (Hybrid Working – Ideally 1 Day Per Week On Site)