Lead Accountant

Schools’ Choice; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Schools’ Choice is seeking a qualified Lead Accountant to join their Finance team in Walsall on a temporary basis. The successful candidate will lead strategic financial initiatives, manage a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with public sector regulations, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Strong culture of support and development

Opportunity to shape financial strategies

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in local government finance.
• Strong expertise in public sector financial regulations.
• Confident in presenting complex financial information.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality financial services aligned to corporate aims.
• Lead financial planning, reporting, and budget setting for key services.
• Manage and mentor a team of finance professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Modelling

Risk Management

Strategic Thinking

Education

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

Job description

Job Title: Lead Accountant
Location: Walsall, West Midlands (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary for 6 months with possible extension

Are you a qualified accountant with leadership experience and a passion for public sector finance?
We're working on behalf of a large, forward-thinking local authority in the West Midlands that is seeking a dynamic Lead Accountant to join their Finance team. This is a high-impact role offering you the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, support major transformation programmes, and lead a team within a highly visible service area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver high-quality, value-for-money financial services aligned to corporate aims and legislative requirements.
• Act as a key advisor to senior stakeholders, including Executive Directors and elected members.
• Lead financial planning, reporting, budget setting, and final accounts for key service area (e.g., Childrens Social Care, Regeneration)
• Independently assess and interpret new legislation and policy changes, preparing implementation strategies and financial briefings.
• Represent the organisation in regional projects and external partnerships.
• Manage and mentor a team of finance professionals, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
• Support corporate transformation initiatives through financial leadership and change management.

About You:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIMA, CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent), with significant post-qualification experience.
• Strong technical expertise in local government finance and public sector financial regulations.
• Proven experience of providing financial leadership at a senior level.
• Confident in presenting complex financial information to varied audiences including public meetings and scrutiny panels.
• Demonstrated ability to manage people, processes and performance in a busy finance function.
• Skilled in strategic thinking, risk management, financial modelling, and business case development.

Special Requirements:

• Occasional working outside of standard office hours may be required.
• Must be committed to ongoing CPD and upholding high professional standards.

Why Apply?

• Shape key financial strategies within a complex public service environment.
• Lead a dedicated and experienced finance team.
• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to innovation, sustainability, and service excellence.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and a strong culture of support and development.

Ready to take the lead in public sector finance?
Apply now to discuss this fantastic opportunity in more detail with one of our specialist consultants.