Senior Interim Accountant

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Financial Manager for a 6-month contract. The role involves leading the financial management of capital programmes, providing expert financial advice for major projects, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates should have proven experience in capital accounting and financial management, along with a relevant degree and accounting qualifications. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact while navigating complex project finances.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in capital accounting and financial management.
• Strong understanding of local authority accounting and capital finance regulations.
• Experience in preparing and monitoring large-scale budgets.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills to work with non-financial managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management of capital programmes.
• Provide financial advice on major capital projects.
• Prepare timely capital monitoring reports.
• Liaise with external partners and stakeholders.
• Support business case development and financial modelling.

Skills

Capital accounting

Financial management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Project finance

Numerical skills

IT literacy

Education

Degree in Finance, Accounting or related discipline

Fully or part-qualified CCAB accountant

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial management systems (e.g. Agresso, Oracle, SAP)

Job description

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality financial advice, analysis, and support across the Council’s capital programme and major projects, ensuring effective financial management, compliance with statutory regulations, and alignment with corporate priorities.

The postholder will play a key role in monitoring and reporting on capital budgets, advising project managers and senior officers on the financial implications of projects and investments, and supporting effective decision‑making across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the financial management of the Council’s capital programme, including the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of capital budgets, forecasts, and funding sources.
• Provide professional financial advice to project managers, service heads, and directors on the financial implications of major capital projects, including cost estimation, funding, profiling, and risk assessment.
• Support the development, approval, and delivery of business cases, ensuring compliance with corporate governance, financial regulations, and accounting standards.
• Prepare accurate and timely capital monitoring reports, identifying variances, risks, and opportunities, and recommending appropriate actions to maintain financial control.
• Liaise with external partners, funding bodies, auditors, and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in project delivery.
• Support the closing of accounts process, ensuring accurate capital accounting treatment in line with CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS requirements.
• Contribute to the development of capital strategy and investment plans, including the evaluation of financing options and funding bids (e.g. grants, borrowing, receipts).
• Assist with the continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and controls to enhance efficiency and support best practice in capital financial management.
• Supervise and support junior finance staff as required, providing guidance and promoting professional development.
• Undertake ad hoc analysis and financial modelling to support strategic decision‑making and investment appraisal.

Requirements

• Proven experience in capital accounting, project finance, or financial management within a complex organisation, preferably in the public sector.
• Strong understanding of local authority accounting, capital finance regulations, and CIPFA / IFRS standards.
• Demonstrable experience in preparing, monitoring, and reporting large‑scale budgets and capital programmes.
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively with non‑financial managers and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• High degree of IT literacy, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial management systems (e.g. Agresso, Oracle, SAP or similar).
• Previous experience supporting capital projects, infrastructure programmes or regeneration schemes.
• Experience in business case development, option appraisal and financial modelling.
• Familiarity with grant funding, Section 106 and external funding compliance.
• Fully or part‑qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent) with relevant post‑qualification experience.
• Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related discipline.
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).
• Commitment to upholding the organisation’s values and ethical standards.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet business needs, including occasional travel to project sites or partner locations.
• Ability to work effectively in an interim capacity, demonstrating adaptability and delivering results quickly.