Financial Accounting Manager

AESN Limited; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

AESN Limited is seeking a senior financial accounting professional to lead the day-to-day management of the Authority’s financial accounting activities. You will ensure statutory reporting accuracy, maintain robust financial controls and act as the technical lead for financial accounting.

You will lead the Financial Accounting team, coordinate the annual closedown, and oversee disclosures and reconciliations while working with internal and external auditors to address findings and

Qualifications

• Part-qualified accountant with experience in public sector financial reporting and statutory accounts
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities
• Excellent communication of complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Financial Accounting team within the Authority
• Manage statutory accounts production in line with CIPFA Code of Practice
• Coordinate year-end closedown, working papers, disclosures and reconciliations
• Provide guidance on capital accounting, leases, pensions, provisions and treasury management
• Liaise with internal/external audit and implement audit recommendations
• Maintain balance sheet integrity and ensure governance, controls and procurement rules are followed

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Part-qualified accountant (ACCA/CIPFA/ICAEW)

Job description

Job Purpose

To manage and deliver the day-to-day financial accounting activities of the Authority. You will ensure accurate statutory reporting, compliance with accounting standards and legislation, and maintain strong financial controls. Key responsibilities include supporting the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, coordinating the closure of accounts process, and acting as the technical lead on financial accounting matters while leading and developing the Financial Accounting team.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage, support, and develop staff within the Financial Accounting team, allocating work and ensuring priorities and deadlines are met.
• Statutory Accounts: Lead on aspects of the annual Statement of Accounts in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice and statutory requirements.
• Account Closedown: Coordinate the closedown process, including preparing and reviewing working papers, disclosures, and reconciliations.
• Technical Accounting: Provide guidance across the Authority on complex areas, including capital accounting, leases, pensions, provisions, and treasury management.
• Audit & Governance: Serve as a key contact for internal and external audit queries, ensuring timely resolution and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Controls & Integrity: Maintain balance sheet integrity through regular monitoring and ensure financial controls, governance, and procurement rules are rigorously followed.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Qualifications: Minimum Part-qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, or equivalent).
• Experience: Significant senior-level financial accounting experience in local government or the public sector, with a proven track record in producing local authority statutory accounts and managing audits.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of public sector financial frameworks, regulations, and the CIPFA Code of Practice.
• Skills: Strong leadership, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders