Lead Accountant

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Ipswich is seeking a Lead Accountant to lead financial management initiatives and ensure compliance with regulations. You will mentor a team and drive improvements in financial systems. The ideal candidate is CCAB qualified, with experience in the public sector and strong communication skills. This role includes flexible working options and offers substantial benefits such as annual leave and a competitive pension scheme.

Benefits

Up to 29 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience in a public sector setting preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.
• Ability to represent the CFO effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and maintenance of financial systems.
• Manage and mentor staff while collaborating with stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to financial governance and compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Financial management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

CCAB qualified (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Job Details

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX - Hybrid working
• Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

As a modern, flexible and effective organisation, at Suffolk County Council we’re driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. That’s why, when you join us as a Lead Accountant in our Finance team, you’ll be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and empowered to explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career. Reimagine the possibilities.

Role and Responsibilities

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the future of financial management? This is your chance to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and excellence across our organisation. We’re looking for a driven, forward-thinking professional with exceptional interpersonal skills to champion improvements in how we manage our resources and deliver real impact for the communities we serve. In this role, you’ll oversee the development and maintenance of our financial systems, ensuring they are efficient and effective, while also designing and delivering high-quality training that empowers staff across the Council.

You’ll lead initiatives to embed best practice, using the CIPFA Financial Management Code as a benchmark, and work closely with colleagues to strengthen financial governance and compliance. As a key member of the Finance team, you’ll manage and mentor staff, collaborate with stakeholders, and represent senior leadership when required. We have a period of significant change coming up so you’ll support the implementation for Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation. This is more than a job, it’s an opportunity to influence how we work, support major organisational changes, and help shape a culture of outstanding financial practice.

Requirements

• CCAB qualified (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Broad base of financial experience and knowledge, preferably gained from a public sector background
• Experience leading a team of 2 to achieve goals and objectives successfully, working collaboratively and constructively with staff across different grades and services
• Competently represent the Chief Financial Officer as required
• Trustworthy, diligent and motivated, able to work without close supervision
• Adaptability to meet changing requirements and needs
• Good communication skills and the ability to explain technical/financial information in simple terms

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The Team

You’ll be part of the Corporate Finance team, working alongside three other Lead Accountants to deliver a wide range of effective financial management and reporting responsibilities. You will report to the Head of Corporate Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer). The wider team is eager to develop its use of technology and best practice, but needs someone who will lead them in that journey; that will be your role. Your role means you will have the opportunity to shape how we work moving forward, both in Finance and more widely. We practice hybrid working, however you would be expected to be in the office at least two days per week.

Equality and Diversity

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

Contact

Please contact Andrew Filby (Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer) for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 01473 260776 or emailing [e-mail].

Application Process

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Share an example of how you communicated complicated financial information to a diverse audience. How did you tailor your approach?
2. Describe a situation where you built strong relationships with key stakeholders to deliver a successful financial outcome. What strategies did you use?
3. Tell us about your experience interpreting complex financial legislation or policies. How did you ensure your advice was accurate and understood by non-technical stakeholders?
4. Share an example of how you have used financial systems to improve financial reporting or management within an organisation? What benefits resulted?

Step 4 – Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing Date & Interview

Closing date: 11.30pm, 4 January 2026. Interview date: W/C 12 January 2026.

Benefits

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• Diverse and active staff networks
• Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more! If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).