Financial Accountant

As a Financial Accountant, you will play an important role in helping to protect and strengthen the Council's financial governance. Working as part of a high-performing team of finance specialists, and reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will help ensure the Council meets its statutory financial reporting, treasury management and tax obligations with accuracy, integrity and confidence. You will apply your technical knowledge to interpret complex accounting standards, codes of practice and regulatory requirements, turning them into practical advice that supports strong decision-making. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you will contribute to projects and improvement initiatives, share knowledge and guidance with finance colleagues, and build credibility with stakeholders, auditors and partners.

This is a role for a motivated professional who enjoys applying technical skill in a way that delivers real public value. To read more about us please visit: Knowledge, skills and experience

• Full CCAB qualification, with current membership to a CCAB body and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Good level of knowledge and understanding of the accounting codes, standards and regulations (including those related to taxes and duties) that apply to local authorities (and, where appropriate, to entities within the Council's 'group' boundary).
• Experience of interpreting technical guidance and of applying this in a practical setting, and of communicating the requirements to stakeholders and other interested parties.
• Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams and an ability to contribute in a large and complex organisation.
• Ability to establish credibility with finance and other professionals, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and a strong delivery / performance focus.
  
  Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we're committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you. In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government's devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about ) on our careers site Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We're committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We're also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying. Once you've secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone. Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join If you have queries or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk