Principal Accountant - Taxation

CITY OF BRADFORD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COUNCIL; Bradford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Bradford is seeking a Principal Accountant - Taxation to enhance the financial sustainability of its services. This role involves supervising tax-related activities, providing expert financial advice, and leading change management programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial expertise, initiative, and the ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. This position offers a chance to significantly impact a vibrant and diverse community.

Qualifications

• Experience in providing taxation advice to council officers and members.
• Proven ability to work independently in a specialized role.
• Strong initiative and professional competence.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely advice on tax matters to support Council objectives.
• Lead VAT returns and taxation-related initiatives.
• Organize tax training to enhance staff knowledge and skills.

Skills

Financial expertise

VAT returns supervision

Change management

Political awareness

Continuous improvement

Education

Relevant accounting qualification

Job description

Job Introduction

Bradford Finance is undergoing significant change and investment. Having been under-resourced for a number of years, it is now entering a new phase of development and strategic focus to support the Council's ambitious new corporate strategy and plans.

A restructure has recently been completed, with the department now comprising four key teams: Management Accounting; Corporate and Strategic Finance; Projects, Systems and Commercial; and Internal Audit, Risk, Business Development and Improvement. The restructure includes significant additional capacity and investment in training and development.

A new service plan is being developed during 2025, with a clear strategic focus and direction, including a development plan to enhance financial literacy across the organisation, while elevating the impact of the Finance team within the organisation to support and drive the Council's strategic plans, financial sustainability, and recovery programme.

The team has recently been instrumental in helping the Council secure:

• The lifting of the Best Value Notice put in place in February 2024, an unprecedented achievement by February 2025.
• A very positive review by CIPFA about progress in Bradford becoming financially sustainable, citing robust financial planning, well-considered savings proposals, and delivery of difficult choices.
• Completion of the 2025/26 budget much earlier than previous years.
• Closure and audit sign-off of the 2022/23 and 2023/24 accounts with unqualified opinions.
• A positive half-year report by the Council's Independent Board.

The Principal Advisor Tax role is central to the Finance team and essential for delivering the Council's plans and financial sustainability. Working within our corporate and strategic finance team, the successful candidate will collaborate with departments and service areas to provide top-tier financial services, support the development of the service, and help the council meet future challenges while fostering continuous improvement. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in our vibrant and diverse city.

We are seeking a Principal Accountant - Taxation to join our dedicated Finance Department team. The role involves working closely with the Strategic Finance Manager and Finance Manager within our capital accounting, treasury, and taxation teams, providing expert advice and accounting services to council officers and members. The successful candidate will lead, develop, and review change management programs to ensure ongoing improvement.

The main responsibilities include:

• Supporting and delivering the Council's vision, values, and strategic objectives through timely advice on tax matters and innovative solutions.
• Supervising the work related to VAT returns and taxation advice.
• Working independently in a highly specialized field with discretion and delegated authority.
• Demonstrating initiative, political awareness, and professional competence.
• Contributing to making the Council an excellent authority through change initiatives.
• Liaising with senior management, external agencies, and professional bodies on taxation issues.
• Representing the Council on tax issues at various forums and fostering professional relationships.
• Seeking continuous improvement in finance service performance and value for money.
• Acting as an ambassador for the Finance Team, promoting professionalism and integrity.
• Ensuring operational needs are met, including duties across various workplaces.
• Organizing and delivering tax training to improve staff skills and knowledge.
• Promoting fairness and inclusion in service provision and employment.
• Managing staff appraisals, development plans, and career progression.
• Mentoring staff and supporting continuous service improvement.
• Participating in staff recruitment and ensuring health and safety standards are met.