Financial Controller

Havering Schools; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

London Borough of Havering is seeking a Financial Controller to lead the annual closedown, production of the Statement of Accounts and the external audit process, ensuring the integrity of the Council's financial reporting.

You will oversee Group Accounts, VAT and taxation matters, provide technical accounting advice to senior stakeholders, deputise for the Head of Finance (Financial Control) and drive continuous improvement in financial controls.

Qualifications

• Experience in statutory financial reporting and annual financial statements.
• Experience in a strong financial control environment and governance.
• Experience coordinating interim and year-end audits with external auditors.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, CIPFA Code, IFRS and legislation.
• Ability to provide complex financial and technical advice to senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts and associated financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the annual closedown programme, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Lead the preparation of Group Accounts, Collection Fund accounts and Whole of Government Accounts returns.
• Act as the principal finance lead for the statutory external audit process and management of audit queries and recommendations.
• Develop and maintain effective financial controls to protect the integrity of the Council's systems and reporting.

Skills

CCAB qualified

Statutory reporting

External audits

Public sector accounting

Advising senior stakeholders

Job description

Job Description

Financial Controller | London Borough of Havering

Permanent | Grade G10 | Salary: £61,476-£66,078 per annum

About the Role

As Financial Controller, you will have direct responsibility for coordinating the Council's annual closedown programme, leading the production of the Statement of Accounts, managing the statutory external audit process and ensuring the integrity of the Council's financial reporting framework. You will also oversee the preparation of the Group Accounts, Collection Fund accounting and Whole of Government Accounts submissions.

You will lead the development and operation of the Council's financial control environment, ensuring robust reconciliations, strong governance arrangements and compliance with accounting regulations, legislation and professional standards. Working closely with the Director of Finance, Head of Finance (Financial Control), service directors and external auditors, you will provide expert technical advice on complex accounting, reporting, VAT and taxation matters.

The role includes deputising for the Head of Finance (Financial Control), supporting committee reporting, leading improvement projects and helping the Council respond effectively to developments in local government finance, accounting standards and statutory requirements.

What We're Looking For

• A recognised CCAB professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) together with evidence of continuing professional development.
• Significant experience in statutory financial reporting and the production of annual financial statements.
• Proven experience operating within a strong financial control environment and maintaining robust governance arrangements.
• Demonstrable experience managing interim and year-end audits and working effectively with external auditors.
• Strong technical knowledge of local authority accounting requirements, the CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and relevant legislation.
• Experience of providing complex financial and technical advice to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to explain technical matters to non-financial audiences.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and developing efficient, high-quality financial processes.

Desirable experience includes

• Working within a large and complex public sector organisation, particularly local government.
• VAT and taxation expertise within the public sector.
• Team leadership and staff development experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts and associated financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and manage the annual closedown programme, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Lead the preparation of Group Accounts, Collection Fund accounts and Whole of Government Accounts returns.
• Act as the principal finance lead for the statutory external audit process and the management of audit queries, recommendations and objections.
• Develop and maintain effective financial controls to protect the integrity of the Council's financial systems and reporting.
• Ensure all key systems and feeder systems are reconciled accurately and regularly to the general ledger.
• Provide expert advice on accounting standards, technical guidance, financial regulations, VAT and taxation matters.
• Monitor the Council's VAT partial exemption position and provide strategic advice on the financial implications of projects and spending decisions.
• Support the integration of capital and revenue accounting arrangements and closedown processes.
• Provide advice and support to Members, directors and senior managers on complex financial and regulatory issues.
• Lead corporate financial reporting improvements and contribute to wider finance transformation initiatives.
• Develop finance colleagues through coaching, mentoring and training, while supporting finance trainees within the department.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance (Financial Control) when required.

Why Havering?

• A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave
• Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
• A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme
• The opportunity to work at the heart of a high-performing finance function and make a significant contribution to the Council's financial resilience and governance.

We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.

Additional Information

The recruitment process may include a range of assessment activities, including interviews, presentations, technical assessments and stakeholder engagement exercises.

We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.

The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Havering is a Disability Confident employer - candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration.

Closing Date: 29th November 2026

About Us

With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering has a unique offer as a place to live, work and visit. By making the most of its position and opportunities, Havering is becoming a hub for start-ups and expanding businesses, as well as construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.

Find out why you should work for Havering Council.