Interim Chief Accountant

Cedar; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in City of London is seeking an Interim Chief Accountant to lead its Financial Accounting operations. This senior role requires a CCAB qualified professional with expertise in financial controls and statutory reporting. The successful candidate will oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, manage a team of 10, and ensure compliance with accounting regulations in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• CCAB qualified professional with extensive expertise in financial accounting.
• Recent local government experience is essential.
• Track record of leading financial controls and audit engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of the Council’s statutory accounts.
• Act as the main technical advisor to the Section 151 Officer.
• Manage senior level engagement with external auditors.
• Present complex financial accounting issues to directors.
• Oversee VAT returns and provide corporate VAT advice.

Skills

CCAB qualified

Strong technical accounting expertise

Leadership in statutory accounts

Communication with senior stakeholders

Job description

Interim Chief Accountant

Local Government

£650 to £700 per day Umbrella Inside IR35

Hybrid (1 day per week in the office)

We are currently supporting a local authority that is seeking an experienced Interim Chief Accountant to lead its Financial Accounting and Technical Accounting function during a key period.

This is a senior role requiring a CCAB qualified professional with extensive expertise in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and financial controls within a complex public sector environment.

The opportunity

You will take full ownership of the production of the Council’s single entity and group accounts, acting as the primary subject matter expert on financial accounting regulations. The role reports to the Deputy Director of Finance and Property and manages a team of up to 10 FTE.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of the Council’s statutory accounts
• Act as the main technical advisor to the Section 151 Officer on all financial accounting matters
• Oversee the system of financial controls and ensure all key reconciliations are delivered on time
• Manage senior level engagement with external auditors
• Lead year end capital and asset accounting processes
• Present complex financial accounting issues to directors and councillors
• Ensure expert accounting advice is provided to budget holders and finance colleagues to support strategic decision making
• Oversee VAT returns and provide corporate VAT advice
• Hold overarching responsibility for the Balance Sheet
• Act as day-to-day owner of the core financial systems, driving improvements and reporting capability enhancements

Essential skills:

• CCAB qualified
• Strong technical accounting expertise with recent local government experience
• Track record of leading statutory accounts, financial controls, and audit engagement
  Confident managing and developing a team
• Able to communicate complex accounting matters clearly to senior stakeholders