Financial Accountant

We are looking for an experienced and motivated accounting professional to join our Corporate Finance team as a Senior Financial Accountant.

This is a key role responsible for ensuring the Council's financial accounts are prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice, statutory requirements and applicable accounting standards. You will be the Council's lead technical accounting expert, providing specialist advice on complex financial accounting matters, financial controls, VAT and taxation issues.

You will lead the production of the Council's Statement of Accounts, Group Accounts and Whole of Government Accounts, whilst managing the relationship with external auditors to ensure successful and timely completion of annual audits. You will also oversee the Council's balance sheet management framework, ensuring key reconciliations and financial controls are maintained to the highest standard.

The role includes direct management responsibility for the VAT and Technical Accountant team and provides an opportunity to influence continuous improvement across financial processes, systems and controls.

The role will report to the Chief Accountant and will support on a range of areas within Corporate Accountancy team -

- Leading the preparation and delivery of the Council's Statement of Accounts and Group Accounts.

- Managing the annual external audit process and maintaining strong relationships with auditors.

- Providing expert advice on financial accounting regulations, statutory reporting and technical accounting matters.

- Ensuring robust balance sheet monitoring, reconciliations and financial controls are in place.

- Managing VAT and taxation matters (excluding employment taxation), including liaison with HMRC.

- Maintaining and developing high-quality audit working papers and year-end procedures.

- Supporting service improvement, automation and enhanced financial controls across the Council.

- Training and developing finance colleagues on technical accounting and closedown requirements.

- Deputising for the Chief Accountant when required.

This role will offer an opportunity to gain valuable experience and a sound understanding of the Council's technical accounting processes and procedures, leading to effective financial controls and the production of the Statement of Accounts. This is an excellent role for an ambitious individual who likes challenges, is self-motivated and wants to use their financial skills to add value., The successful candidate would need to be a fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with strong Excel and analytical skills. They would need to be experienced in the closure of accounts, audit in Local Government and have sound technical accounting skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are also essential in order to deal with staff at all levels both within the Council and from outside organisations.

An excellent pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

- Up to 32 days annual leave depending on grade and length of service. You will also get eight public holidays per year and an extra day off at Christmas.

- A blend of remote and office based working for most roles.

- Interest free season ticket loan repayable over three or ten months.

- Career development and learning experiences from a range of training courses and learning methods.

- Employee Assistance Programme to provide advice and counselling services. This is a free and confidential service available to staff and members of their family.

- Health and leisure discounts and tax-free bikes for work.

- 1 month paid sabbatical for Children's Social Workers