Interim Chief Accountant

G2 Recruitment Group Limited; Stamfordham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Chief Accountant for a 7-month contract in North East England. The role involves preparing year-end accounts, handling audit queries, and conducting balance sheet reconciliations. Candidates must be fully qualified accountants with experience in local authority standards and preparing financial statements for public sector bodies. A hybrid working arrangement is offered with one day per week in the office. Competitive rates between £500 - £650 per day based on experience.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with strong technical knowledge of UK local authority accounting standards.
• Proven track record of preparing year-end accounts for a UK council or similar.
• Hands-on experience responding to external audit queries and preparing working papers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Year-End Accounts: Produce accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
• Handle Audit Queries: Respond to auditor requests with reconciliations and evidence.
• Balance Sheet & Ledger Reconciliations: Complete reconciliations for key accounts accurately.
• Technical Accounting Support: Apply knowledge of local authority accounting standards.
• Work Closely with Finance Team: Collaborate to gather data and ensure timely task completion.

Skills

Technical accounting knowledge

CIPFA compliance

Reconciliation experience

Response to audit queries

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Job description

Job Opportunity! - Interim Chief Accountant - North East of England

Contract Duration: 7 Months +

Rate: £500 - £650 per day (depending on experience)

Hybrid: X1 day per week in office preference (may consider remote).

Start Date: Mid to Late January.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare YearEnd Accounts: Take ownership of producing accurate financial statements and supporting schedules in line with CIPFA and statutory requirements.
• Handle Audit Queries: Respond directly to auditor requests, providing detailed reconciliations, working papers, and evidence as needed.
• Balance Sheet & Ledger Reconciliations: Complete complex reconciliations for key accounts, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Technical Accounting Support: Apply in-depth knowledge of local authority accounting standards to resolve issues and ensure compliance throughout the close-down process.
• Work Closely with Finance Team: Collaborate with existing staff to gather data and documentation, ensuring timely completion of tasks without formal line management responsibilities.

Requirements:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) with strong technical knowledge of UK local authority accounting standards.
• Have a proven track record of preparing yearend accounts for a UK council or similar public sector body, including compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice.
• Have hands‑on experience in responding to external audit queries, preparing working papers, and completing complex reconciliations during year‑end close.

If you match the above criteria and are interested then please don't hesitate to reach out and send me your CV to or call me on (phone number removed).