Interim Local Government Closedown Accountant (Hybrid)

Reed; England; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 105,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

6-9 month contract

Job summary

Reed is seeking an experienced Closedown Accountant on an interim basis for a local government finance team. The role focuses on year-end closedown, Statement of Accounts and preparation for external audit, with hybrid working and a 6-9 month assignment.

You will lead on technical accounting tasks, deliver audit-ready working papers, and support the CIPFA code compliance while collaborating with auditors and finance colleagues to ensure timely statutory reporting.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in local authority year-end closedown and SOA prep.
• Strong grasp of Collection Fund accounting, Group Accounts and consolidations.
• Thorough knowledge of CIPFA Local Authority Accounting Code.
• Experience supporting external audits with audit-ready working papers.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Support annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes.
• Lead on technical areas including Collection Fund accounting and group accounts.
• Produce high-quality working papers, reconciliations and analyses.
• Support statutory returns and financial reporting requirements.
• Liaise with internal/external auditors and respond to audit queries.
• Collaborate across finance teams to ensure timely year-end information.
• Contribute to improvements in financial controls and closedown processes.

Skills

Year-end closedown

Local government accounting

CIPFA Code knowledge

Audit support

Advanced Excel

Education

CCAB qualification desirable

Tools

Excel

Job description

Reed is seeking an experienced Closedown Accountant on an interim basis for a local government finance team. The role focuses on year-end closedown, Statement of Accounts and preparation for external audit, with hybrid working and a 6-9 month assignment.

You will lead on technical accounting tasks, deliver audit-ready working papers, and support the CIPFA code compliance while collaborating with auditors and finance colleagues to ensure timely statutory reporting.