Chief Accountant - Permanent

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of local government's most significant financial improvement journeys.

A large and ambitious local authority is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to provide strategic leadership for corporate accounting, financial reporting, audit and financial governance. Working within a transforming finance function, you'll play a pivotal role in strengthening financial control, rebuilding audit assurance and supporting the organisation's journey towards unmodified audit opinions.

As the organisation's lead technical accounting expert, you'll oversee the production of statutory accounts, lead complex audit activity and provide expert advice to senior finance leaders and corporate stakeholders on accounting standards, financial reporting and governance.

The Opportunity

This role offers far more than responsibility for annual accounts production, as you will be at the centre of a major financial improvement programme, working closely with senior leadership, internal audit and external audit partners to enhance financial reporting, strengthen controls and drive continuous improvement across the finance function. The role will suit someone interested in having a lasting legacy by shaping the future of corporate finance for the authority. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production of the annual Statement of Accounts and associated statutory reporting.
• Act as the organisation's principal adviser on technical accounting matters.
• Lead relationships with internal and external audit.
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and implement improvements.
• Ensure compliance with IFRS, CIPFA Codes and statutory reporting requirements.
• Oversee the integrity of the general ledger and corporate financial systems.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance and assurance frameworks.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing finance team.

About You

We're seeking a CCAB qualified accountant with substantial experience in local government financial reporting and audit.

You will bring:

• Significant experience leading statutory accounts preparation and audit.
• Expert knowledge of the CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and local government accounting.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, control and assurance frameworks.
• Experience leading finance teams through change and improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• A commitment to developing high-performing teams and driving organisational excellence.

Why Apply?

We know that few accounting leadership roles provide the opportunity to influence financial governance at this level, within a council of this size, while delivering lasting impact. For an ambitious accounting leader looking to combine their technical expertise, leadership and transformation skills, this represents an exceptional career opportunity.

If you are a technically accomplished local government finance leader, looking for your next step, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion or further information, please apply below or contact me directly - luis@ambientpeople.co.uk