Senior Accountant | Growth, Environment and Transport | Preston | Full Time

Lancashire County Council; Preston; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Preston is seeking a Senior Accountant to support financial stability and contribute to service budgeting. You will lead a team, engage with stakeholders and drive financial strategies within the council. Ideal candidates should be qualified Accountants with senior finance experience and strong communication skills. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits, including generous leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

26 days annual leave

Staff discount scheme

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior finance role.
• Proven ability to communicate complex financial information.
• Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on service budgets.
• Develop strategies to tackle financial challenges.
• Manage a team of finance professionals.
• Influence decisions across the finance service.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Job description

Salary £46,142 - £51,357 per annum | Permanent, Full Time, 37 hours per week | County Hall, Preston

International Sponsorship - this role is not open to international sponsorship

Join us as a Senior Accountant in the Financial Management Team and contribute to the financial health and stability of our council while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative environment. As the Senior Accountant, you will act as the Strategic Business Partner to our Growth, Environment, and Transport Directorate ensuring that service budgets align with Council's wider strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on service budgets and collaborate with Senior Stakeholders and Directors to balance the needs of the Service's budget with the financial aims of the council.
• Develop innovative strategies to tackle financial challenges and decreasing resources. You\'ll be involved in crucial decision making and will need to ensure your advice is heard.
• Manage a small team of finance professionals, providing guidance and support to deliver high performance.
• Be part of the management team of the Financial Management service and be involved in developing and shaping future service delivery, in addition to influencing and making decisions across the finance service.

About you

• You\'ll be a qualified Accountant (CCAB or equivalent) and/or substantial experience in a senior finance role.
• You\'ll take strategic, solutions-focused approach to local government finance.
• You\'ll have great communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with your stakeholders. You\'ll need to explain complex financial information and have difficult conversations when needed.

This fantastic opportunity will allow you to see the positive impact of your recommendations on the services delivered in Lancashire. If you\'d like to discuss the role further, please reach out to Andy Woodcock, Principal Accountant, at 01772 536580

Closing Date: 5th October 2025

Interview date: 14th October 2025, subject to change

Application review is ongoing, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

Why join us?

By joining Lancashire County Council, you can shape the career path that is right for you, with opportunities to gain personal and professional qualifications, coaching, and mentoring. Lancashire County Council truly is the place where you can have the career you\'ve always wanted.

In return for your passion and expertise, we offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• A competitive salary and Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A great holiday entitlement of 26 days annual leave, which increases with length of service. You will also be entitled to 8 Bank Holidays, 2 additional statutory Bank Holidays, and have the option to buy additional leave each year.
• Our staff discount scheme in partnership with Vivup, allowing you to access discounts with a range of UK retailers, saving on everything from weekly food shops to white goods and cars.
• Access to fantastic development and career opportunities.

Job Description and Person Specification