Interim Chief Accountant

Morgan Law; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in London is seeking an interim Chief Accountant for a 6-month contract, offering £700+ per day. The successful candidate will lead key accounting functions and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. Applicants should be qualified accountants with at least 5 years of experience in local authorities and exceptional communication skills. This role is urgent and candidates must be immediately available.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience as Chief Accountant in a local authority setting.
• Deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements.
• Immediately available for work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes.
• Lead oversight to core accounting, systems, and capital financing functions.
• Streamline reconciliations, VAT, and payroll processes.
• Ensure timely completion of all statutory returns.
• Liaise with external auditors and lead the Audit process.

Skills

Leadership

Statutory accounting knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

Job description

Interim Chief Accountant

• Local Government – London
• 6 month initial contract
• £700+ p/d
• 2-3 days a week on site

About the client
Morgan Law is seeking an interim Chief Accountant for a local authority in London, reporting to the Deputy S151.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for preparing the annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes
• To provide leadership and oversight to the core accounting, systems and capital financing functions to support the effective stewardship of the Council’s financial resources
• Streamline the processes for reconciliations, VAT and payroll to ensure the accuracy of the general ledger and analysis of the movement of accounts
• Ensure all statutory returns are completed accurately and timely manner, manage the relationships with auditors at an operational level, managing the audit schedule and raising accounting issues
• Liaise with external auditors and leading the Audit process for various authorities
• Responsible for the preparing audit working papers including the explanations and supporting working papers for the complex queries
• Leading the development and monitoring of accounts closure processes, including leading on accounting for non-current assets and asset valuations, PFI and leasing

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) (E)
• 5 years experience as Chief Accountant in a local authority setting and a deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements (E)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Immediately available for work

Campaign Timeline
This is an urgent post and is open until filled.

Equality & Diversity Statement
Morgan Law shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidate/temporary worker is submitted for a vacancy or assignment, or in any terms of employment or terms of engagement for temporary workers. Morgan Law will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with the candidate’s merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required by the particular vacancy.