Chief Accountant

Colchester City Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Colchester City Council is seeking a Chief Accountant to lead the Technical Team in delivering effective financial services. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the Council's financial future while working in a supportive environment. The successful candidate will manage financial reporting, uphold financial controls, and provide strategic financial advice. The position includes attractive benefits such as a pension scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Pension Scheme

Generous Annual Leave

Flexible Working

Gym Discounts

Training and Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating at a senior level within finance.
• Sound knowledge of local government finance and treasury management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial accounting and reporting functions.
• Provide expert financial advice for Council projects.
• Manage the production of the Council annual accounts.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Risk Management

Education

CCAB Membership

Job description

Contract Type:Permanent

Working Hours:37 hours per week

Interviews will take place on the 12 or 13 June 2025

This is a politically restricted post

Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors and businesses. We are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public andcommercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the financial future of a forward-thinking, ambitious Council. You will work within a collaborative and supportive environment, where your expertise and leadership will be truly valued and where you can make a real and lasting impact.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Accountant to lead and direct our Technical Team with a strong focus on delivering economic, efficient, effective, and customer-focused financial services, in line with the Council strategic objectives and values.

Duties of the role

In this pivotal role, you will provide expert financial advice, information, and support to Council projects, ensuring that all financial implications are fully considered within budgets and forecasts. You will lead the Council financial accounting and reporting functions, ensuring robust financial management and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

As Chief Accountant, you will manage the production of the Council annual accounts, maintain the day-to-day relationship with external auditors, support budget planning and monitoring, uphold effective financial controls, and contribute significantly to the provision of high-quality financial advice and insight across the organisation.

Qualifications and skills required

We are looking for a forward-thinking finance professional with full membership of a CCAB-recognised professional body (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and proven experience operating at a senior level within finance. You will have sound knowledge of local government finance, with strong treasury management knowledge or experience.

A strategic mindset with exceptional financial and business acumen and an understanding of financial systems and an appreciation of risk management is essential.

To succeed you will also have outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, empower, and develop teams and have the ability to deliver under pressure and be committed to continuous improvement in the delivery of the service.

What we offer

The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.

Other benefits include:

• Flexible and home working as well as working from Civic offices
• Gym, travel and online retail discounts
• Excellent training, development and progression opportunities

If you are ready to lead, inspire, and drive excellence in financial management, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact PaulAtkinson, Interim Head of Finance [e-mail].

For further information regarding this vacancy, please clickhere.