Financial Reporting & Technical Lead (remote working available)

Hays Senior Finance; Farnborough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking local authority as a financial reporting expert, overseeing the Council's financial statements and audit processes. Leverage your accounting qualifications and experience in local government finance to contribute to financial sustainability and governance. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

Access to a flextime system

Generous annual leave entitlement

Membership of the Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme

Payment of professional membership fees

Opportunities for professional development

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards.
• Significant experience in local government finance.
• Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of statutory financial statements.
• Manage the external audit process.
• Support the development of the finance team.

Skills

Financial Reporting

Stakeholder Engagement

Problem Solving

Education

Professional accounting qualification

CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent

Job description

Your new company
Rushmoor Borough Council is a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to delivering high-quality services and driving positive change for its communities. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and financial sustainability, the Council is embarking on an exciting journey of transformation, including the implementation of its Delivery Plan priorities for 2025/26 and the start of its Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation journey.

Your new role
This is a fantastic opportunity to become the Council's expert lead on financial reporting, playing a vital role in shaping the financial future of the organisation. You will be responsible for the leadership, management, development, and production of the Council's Statement of Accounts and lead the external audit process.Your role will involve applying your technical expertise to complex areas such as regeneration and development, the commercial property investment portfolio, and treasury management. You will work closely with key partners and internal teams to ensure high standards in financial reporting and governance, while also supporting the wider finance team in delivering high-quality financial statements.Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of statutory financial statements and external audit processes.
• Acting as the Council's lead on financial reporting, the Collection Fund (supported by LG Futures), and asset accounting.
• Supporting the development of the finance team and driving continuous improvement in statutory reporting.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
• Managing the Council's Fixed Asset Register and liaising with property teams and external valuers.
• Contributing to financial sustainability through identifying efficiencies and supporting strategic planning.

What you'll need to succeed

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in local government finance or a similar public sector environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards, capital financing, and statutory accounting.
• Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements and manage external audits.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

What you'll get in return
In return, you'll join a supportive and ambitious finance team at a pivotal time for the Council. You'll benefit from:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance. We can accommodate a range of working patterns, including working from home (WfH), depending on the needs of the role. This role can support fully remote working.
• Access to a flextime system, allowing staff to work additional hours between 7:30am and 7:00pm (6:30pm on Fridays) and take up to one day's flexible leave each calendar month.
• Generous annual leave entitlement:
• 26 days for full-time staff,
• rising to 29 days after five years' continuous local government service,
• 31 days after ten years,
• and 34 days after twenty years.
• Membership of the
  Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit occupational pension scheme. More information is available on the Hampshire Pension Services website.
• Payment of professional membership fees where a qualification is required for the role.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentoring, and support for continuing professional qualifications.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including:
• Wellbeing days and events
• 24/7 access to a free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), including an online health portal, confidential telephone support, and face-to-face counselling
• Cycle to work scheme
• Reduced gym membership
• On-site food and drink facilities
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Volunteering opportunities in the community
• Kaarp benefit scheme (discounts and vouchers)
• Free parking next to the Council offices.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk