Senior Accountant

Peterborough First group; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Local government pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

Peterborough City Council is seeking a Senior Accountant to join the Corporate Finance team. You will help shape the Council's financial future through treasury management, capital programme oversight and high-quality financial reporting.

You will interpret complex financial information for senior leaders and contribute to long-term planning, with opportunities to influence major investment decisions and drive continuous improvement across financial systems and processes.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (AAT, CCAB or nearing completion of a recognised CCAB qualification)
• Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate clearly
• Analytical mindset and proactive approach to continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead treasury management activities including borrowing, investments and cashflow forecasting.
• Monitor and finance the Council's capital programme (annual investment ~£100 million).
• Maintain prudential indicators and statutory reporting compliance.
• Assist in preparing the annual Statement of Accounts and financial reporting.
• Produce high-quality financial reports for senior leaders and elected Members.
• Contribute to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and long-term planning.
• Develop financial models and business cases for major investments.
• Build relationships with external advisers, auditors and finance colleagues.

Job description

All about the Role

As part of our Corporate Finance team, you'll play a key role in helping to shape the Council's financial future. Working across a diverse portfolio, you'll provide expert financial support, influence strategic decision-making, and contribute to the effective stewardship of public resources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting treasury management activities, including borrowing, investments and cashflow forecasting.
• Monitoring and financing the Council's capital programme, with annual investment of approximately £100 million.
• Maintaining prudential indicators and ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
• Supporting the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts and associated financial reporting.
• Producing high-quality financial reports and analysis for senior leaders, Cabinet and elected Members.
• Contributing to the development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and long-term financial planning.
• Developing financial models and business cases to inform major investment and funding decisions.
• Building strong relationships with external advisers, auditors and finance colleagues across the organisation.
• Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, controls, processes and reporting.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to develop their expertise, influence strategic outcomes and make a real difference within a large and complex organisation.

This role closes on the 28th October and shortlisting will commence after this date. Interviews have been provisionally scheduled for w/c 2nd November 2026.

All about our Team

This is an exciting time to join the Councils Finance Team. Following significant investment in our finance function, we are strengthening our Team even more and are looking for an ambitious, motivated Senior Accountant to play a key role in the management of the Council's treasury management and capital programme activities.

You will be at the centre of financial decisions, supporting investment in the city's infrastructure, schools, highways, housing and regeneration projects while helping to maintain the Council's long-term financial sustainability.

All about You

We're looking for a finance professional who is curious, analytical and eager to develop specialist expertise within Corporate Finance. You'll be a qualified accountant (AAT, CCAB or nearing completion of a recognised CCAB qualification) with the ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to a wide range of audiences.

You'll be confident building effective relationships with colleagues, senior managers and stakeholders, and be motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact through public service. We're particularly interested in someone who is proactive, committed to continuous improvement and keen to contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.

Experience in treasury management and capital or technical accounting would be advantageous. However, just as important is a willingness to learn, develop your knowledge and build a successful career within our Corporate Finance Team.

Our Benefits

We value our colleagues and have developed a number of benefits in addition to our generous annual leave starting at 25 days + bank holidays, sick pay and local government pension scheme…

• Access to a range of benefits via our Employee Benefits Platform, including in-store and online discounts as well as our Cycle to Work and Home & Electronics schemes
• Buy up to 10 days additional annual leave (pro-rata)
• Access to car lease scheme
• Take your bank holidays flexibly to better suit your personal circumstances
• Make Additional Voluntary Contributions (Shared Cost AVCs) to your pension with tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to development opportunities including apprenticeships to support your personal and professional growth
• Paid volunteering hours each year so you can make a positive impact on our community during your normal working day
• Access to our equality, diversity and inclusion network
• Opportunities to receive Employee Recognition Awards

Our Commitments

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are a person who has or considers yourself to have a disability and you require reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you've already applied and completed the recruitment process for this position within the last 3 months, there's no need to reapply. We really appreciate your interest and thank you for considering us.