Deputy Chief Accountant

Job Switch; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the United Kingdom is seeking a skilled Deputy Chief Accountant to assist in delivering the annual Statement of Accounts and maintain effective financial controls. The ideal candidate will have strong technical accounting skills and experience in audits, with a strong CCAB or CIMA qualification. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, requiring regular office attendance for meetings.

Qualifications

• Experience in account closure and audit.
• Ability to ensure compliance with accounting standards.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Support financial accounting areas such as Financial Statements and Balance Sheet Reconciliations.
• Liaise with external auditors and maintain relationships.
• Ensure accounting standards are followed.
• Identify opportunities for financial support improvements.

Skills

Strong CCAB or CIMA qualification

Technical accounting skills

Financial Statements

Communication skills

Job description

This role, working alongside the existing Deputy Chief Accountant, is to deliver the Council's annual Statement of Accounts, ensure effective accounting controls, and liaise with the Council's external auditors. You will support the Chief Accountant in corporate finance and provide resilience across the team, with a focus on Technical Accounting, Fixed Assets, and Taxation.

The Deputy Chief Accountant will report to the Chief Accountant and support various areas within the Corporate Accountancy team.

Responsibilities include:

1. Supporting financial accounting areas such as Financial Statements, Balance Sheet Reconciliations & Monitoring, reviewing financial controls, and providing guidance to services across the Council.
2. Liaising with external auditors and maintaining relationships with them and the wider finance team.
3. Taking ownership of specific finance processes, ensuring proper training and efficiency.
4. Ensuring accounting standards and CIPFA's Code of Practice for Local Government Accounting are followed.
5. Proactively seeking opportunities to improve financial support to the Council.

This role offers valuable experience in technical accounting processes and procedures, leading to effective financial controls and the production of the Statement of Accounts.

This position is ideal for an ambitious, self-motivated individual with strong CCAB or CIMA qualification, experience in account closure, audit, and sound technical accounting skills. Excellent communication skills are essential for liaising with staff at all levels.

Enfield offers a hybrid working arrangement, with regular office attendance required for meetings and business needs.