Senior Financial Accountant

Michael Page (UK); Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy is seeking a qualified accountant to join a dynamic public sector organization in Birmingham on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with local government financial standards while leading a finance team. Responsibilities include preparing statutory financial statements and providing technical guidance. The ideal candidate will have extensive local government finance experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £58,000 per year with a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with extensive experience in local government finance.
• Ability to manage and develop a finance team effectively.
• Proven track record of meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with local government financial accounting standards.
• Lead the finance team's monthly reporting efforts.
• Provide technical accounting guidance across the organization.
• Support internal and external audits.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Proactive approach

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Job description

• Ensure robust, compliant local government financial accounting
• Provide hands‑on leadership and technical guidance across the finance team

About Our Client

Our client is a forward‑thinking public sector organisation, delivering large‑scale programmes that have a tangible impact on communities. With a strong emphasis on financial governance, innovation, and service excellence, they offer a dynamic environment for experienced finance professionals to thrive and contribute to meaningful outcomes.

Job Description

• Prepare statutory financial statements in compliance with local government accounting standards.
• Complete and submit annual government accounts accurately and on time.
• Lead monthly financial reporting, including balance sheet reconciliations and control account reviews.
• Provide technical accounting advice to the finance team and wider organisation.
• Support internal and external audits, liaising with auditors to ensure efficient and accurate processes.
• Identify and implement process improvements and financial controls.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to finance and non‑finance colleagues.
• Manage and develop the finance team, offering coaching, feedback, and motivation.
• Ensure all statutory reporting requirements are completed by stipulated deadlines.

The Successful Applicant

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Extensive technical experience in complex local government finance.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, able to provide clear advice to colleagues at all levels.
• Hands‑on, proactive, and self‑motivated with the ability to deliver results independently.
• Experience in leading, coaching, and developing a small finance team.

What’s on Offer

• 12‑month fixed‑term contract.
• Competitive salary up to £58,000 per year.
• Hybrid working - 1x day per week on site in central Birmingham.
• Opportunity to play a critical role in a dynamic public sector organisation, contributing to meaningful community impact.