Chief Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Trowbridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Trowbridge is seeking a Chief Accountant to lead its finance function and manage significant budgets. The role involves preparing the Statement of Accounts, providing strategic financial advice, and overseeing a team of finance professionals. Candidates must be CCAB qualified with experience in local government finance and excellent communication skills. The position requires a blend of technical knowledge and leadership abilities in a politically sensitive environment. Competitive hours are set at 37 per week.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior financial management experience required.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight statutory deadlines.
• Experience operating in politically sensitive environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of the Council’s annual Statement of Accounts.
• Provide strategic financial advice to support planning.
• Ensure financial data is accurate and compliant.

Skills

Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB)

Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting

Managing finance teams

Knowledge of local government finance

Leadership and communication skills

Education

Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB)

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

Job Description

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Summary :

• Chief Accountant – Wiltshire Council. The role is the technical lead for the Council’s central finance function, responsible for preparing the Statement of Accounts, treasury management, VAT, insurance, and technical accounting functions such as asset accounting and the Collection Fund.
• The Chief Accountant provides strategic financial advice, ensures compliance with statutory accounting regulations, and supports decision-making at senior leadership levels.
• This role leads a small team of finance professionals and manages key aspects of the Council’s £527m revenue and £500m capital budgets.

Key Duties / Accountabilities (Sample) :

• Lead the production of the Council’s annual Statement of Accounts and relevant government returns.
• Provide strategic financial advice to support short, medium, and long-term planning, including scenario modelling for capital and revenue.
• Ensure financial data is accurate, robust, and compliant with statutory guidance (CIPFA, HMRC, Government Departments).
• Manage treasury strategy, borrowing, and investments in line with Council policies.
• Provide technical accounting advice on complex financial issues and statutory compliance.
• Oversee finance team operations, including asset accounting, VAT, tax, insurance, and the Chart of Accounts.
• Act as the Council’s lead representative on financial consultation, statutory reporting, and regulatory changes.
• Develop and implement processes and procedures for excellence in financial transactions and control environment.
• Engage with senior officers, elected members, external auditors, and stakeholders to provide high-quality advice and reporting.
• Manage outsourced finance activities and ensure compliance with internal and external standards.

Skills / Experience :

• Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB) with extensive senior financial management experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting, statutory reporting, VAT, treasury, and asset accounting.
• Experience managing finance teams, complex financial projects, and budgets at a senior level.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g., SAP), general ledger, fixed asset registers, and Excel / data interrogation.
• Ability to provide strategic financial advice and modelling for decision-making.
• Knowledge of local government finance, statutory regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience operating in politically sensitive environments and liaising with senior officers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight statutory deadlines.

Additional Information :

• Location : County Hall, Wiltshire.
• Hours : 37 per week.

Requirements

• Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB) with extensive senior financial management experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of financial accounting, statutory reporting, VAT, treasury, and asset accounting.
• Experience managing finance teams, complex financial projects, and budgets at a senior level.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems (e.g., SAP), general ledger, fixed asset registers, and Excel / data interrogation.
• Ability to provide strategic financial advice and modelling for decision-making.
• Knowledge of local government finance, statutory regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience operating in politically sensitive environments and liaising with senior officers, members, and external stakeholders.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight statutory deadlines.