Senior Local Authority Chief Accountant (Hybrid, 6 Months)

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Redditch; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead technical accounting and financial reporting across both authorities. The role is hybrid, with at least one day on site, and a 6-month temporary contract.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, you will oversee annual Statements of Accounts, manage a small team, ensure robust governance, and advise senior managers and external auditors on complex financial matters.

Qualifications

• Fully CCAB-qualified accountant (CIPFA/ACCA/ICAEW).
• Minimum of five years' post-qualification experience.
• Experience preparing local authority Statements of Accounts.
• Experience managing and developing finance staff.
• Experience budgeting in a complex financial environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and delivery of the annual Statements of Accounts for two councils.
• Maintain balance sheets, fixed asset registers and general ledger controls.
• Coordinate revenue and capital budgets and monitor performance and savings delivery.
• Oversee treasury management including cash flow and borrowing.
• Develop and lead a team of technical accounting staff.
• Liaise with external auditors on accounts and systems.
• Ensure strong governance, internal controls and process improvements.
• Provide financial advice to service managers and senior leaders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Organisational skills

Education

Degree-level qualification

GCSEs in Maths and English

Job description

Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead technical accounting and financial reporting across both authorities. The role is hybrid, with at least one day on site, and a 6-month temporary contract.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, you will oversee annual Statements of Accounts, manage a small team, ensure robust governance, and advise senior managers and external auditors on complex financial matters.