Chief Accountant (Local Authority)

Neway International Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal finance agency is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the financial accounting function and manage statutory accounts. The role requires strong expertise in financial regulations and excellent leadership skills to manage a team of up to 10. The position involves presenting financial information to stakeholders and ensuring robust financial controls are in place. This interim role is located in Bexleyheath, Kent, with a competitive hourly pay rate.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior financial accounting roles within local government or similar organizations.
• Strong knowledge of statutory accounting processes, financial controls, and capital/asset accounting.
• Experience managing external audit relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage the production of the Council’s single entity and group accounts.
• Act as the primary expert on financial accounting regulations.
• Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls.

Skills

Financial accounting expertise

Leadership

Statutory accounting knowledge

Excellent communication

Team management

Education

CCAB qualification

Tools

Financial accounting systems

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Chief Accountant – Bexley20 (Interims) to join our client based with London Borough of Bexley.

Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT
Hours per week: 36
Start Date: 16 February 2026
End Date: 26 Weeks (Vacant Post)
Pay Rates: PAYE: £71.77 per hour, Umbrella/Ltd: £97.22 per hour

About London Borough of Bexley

The London Borough of Bexley is committed to delivering high-quality financial services across the Council. This role sits within the Finance & Corporate Services > Finance & Property division, supporting the Finance & Technical Accounting team.

Role: Chief Accountant

We are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the financial accounting function, manage statutory accounts, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders. This is a senior interim role with responsibility for managing a team of up to 10 FTE.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the production of the Council’s single entity and group accounts.
• Act as the primary expert on financial accounting regulations, advising the statutory Section 151 Officer.
• Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls, ensuring timely reconciliations.
• Liaise with external auditors at a senior level.
• Manage end-of-year capital and asset accounting processes.
• Present financial accounting matters to directors and councillors.
• Provide specialist financial accounting advice to budget holders and officers.
• Oversee VAT returns and provide corporate VAT advice.
• Maintain overarching responsibility for the Balance Sheet.
• Lead system improvements in core financial systems and reporting capabilities.

Candidate Requirements

• CCAB qualification (essential).
• Proven experience in senior financial accounting roles within local government or similar organizations.
• Strong knowledge of statutory accounting processes, financial controls, and capital/asset accounting.
• Experience managing external audit relationships.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing teams of up to 10 FTE.
• Ability to present complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Strong IT and systems knowledge, with experience in financial system improvements.
• Flexibility to attend the office once per week and evening meetings as required.