Chief Accountant

The Chief Accountant will be responsible for the strategic planning in the production and approval of the audited statutory Statement of Accounts. Taking a strategic approach in wide engagement to embed a strong culture of sound accounting knowledge and compliance, to the levels of strategic managers/Heads of Service and Elected Members.

The Chief Accountant will be the leading technical advisor for VAT, reporting directly to the S151 on matters. The role acts as the key point of contact with critical external stakeholders, in particular external auditors and HMRC.

The Chief Accountant will work with the Head of Corporate Finance, who is a leading officer for developing and maintaining financial standards, compliance and good governance within Finance and across the Council.

This is a very technical and specialist role which requires extensive and up-to-date knowledge of the latest regulations and best practices.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Experience/Skills

Qualifications - Essential

• Fully qualified CCAB Accountant with experience working in a complex organisation.
• Evidence of work-related continuing professional development.

Knowledge/Experience/Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the latest financial accounting standards and highly skilled at intercepting them.
• Extensive experience and knowledge of VAT, its application and implications on courses of action.
• Substantial managerial experience and skills gained at a senior level, including contributing to the corporate management of an organisation where required.
• Significant knowledge and experience in the development, agreement, and delivery of service plans.
• Sound understanding and practice of multi-disciplinary working.
• Demonstrable experience in the effective deployment, continuing development and supervision of professional and other staff resources.
• Proven track record of establishing and managing partnerships/external stakeholder relationships.
• Change management experience at a lead and influence level.