Senior Financial Accountant

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October, 11:59pm

Allen Lane are supporting a London Borough Council who are recruiting for a Senior Financial Accountant to join their Corporate Finance team on a permanent basis.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for ensuring the Council's financial accounts are prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice, statutory requirements and relevant accounting standards. You will provide expert advice on complex financial accounting matters, financial controls, VAT and taxation issues, whilst driving excellence across our financial reporting framework.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality financial governance and shaping continuous improvement across the finance function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will lead on the production of the Council's annual Statement of Accounts, Group Accounts and Whole of Government Accounts. You will also manage relationships with external auditors, ensuring audits are delivered successfully and on time.

The post includes direct line management responsibility and offers the opportunity to influence financial systems, controls and processes across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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 specialist advice on statutory reporting, technical accounting issues and financial regulations.
• Ensuring robust balance sheet management, reconciliations and financial controls are maintained.
• Managing VAT and taxation matters, including liaison with HMRC.
• Developing and maintaining high-quality audit working papers and year-end accounting procedures.
• Driving service improvements, automation initiatives and enhanced financial controls.
• Supporting and developing finance colleagues through technical accounting guidance and training.
• Deputising for the Chief Accountant when required.

About You

We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated finance professional who enjoys tackling complex challenges and delivering high-quality financial outcomes.

You will be:

• Fully qualified with a recognised CCAB qualification or CIMA.
• Highly experienced in local government accounting, year-end closure and external audit processes.
• Knowledgeable in technical accounting standards, statutory accounting requirements and financial reporting.
• Experienced in managing balance sheet controls, reconciliations and financial governance frameworks.
• Skilled in VAT and taxation matters within a local government environment.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, senior leaders, auditors and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Committed to continuous improvement and developing others.

Why Join?

This role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise in local government technical accounting while making a significant contribution to the Council's financial stewardship and governance.

You will work alongside experienced finance professionals in a supportive environment, gaining exposure to a broad range of corporate accounting activities and strategic financial issues. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to further develop their career within a senior financial leadership role.

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