For this position we are looking for someone with significant experience of working as a technical financial accountant within a local government setting.

Please note that for this position we could consider either a full time or part time (22.2 hours per week, with a working pattern that can be flexible to fit in with the needs of the successful candidate) application.
If part time the salary will be pro rata of £60,781 PA

This position is being offered on a 12 - 15 month Fixed Term Contract or Secondment basis with interviews being conducted on a virtual basis.

This position will initially, in line with current government guidance be based from home, with an expectation of being home based for the foreseeable future. However, if / when government guidelines change the role may then revert to being office based, whilst retaining some flexible working options.

The Role
Part of a team of expert financial accountants responsible for statutory financial reporting, effective treasury management and tax advice, you will report to the Chief Accountant and will provide technical advice and interpretation to a team of high performing, customer facing finance professionals, to underpin effective decision making, promote compliance with best professional practice and to ensure the highest standards of financial governance are achieved.

Job Purpose
The Senior Financial Accountant will provide expert technical advice and practical interpretation consistent with relevant accounting standards, CIPFA Codes of Practice and government regulations (including those related to UK taxes and duties) to promote best professional practice and an effective internal controls framework. In addition, the Senior Financial Accountant will lead aspects of the Council's annual closure of accounts programme and related activity, coordinating input by a team of finance professionals to ensure that relevant standards and regulations are fully complied with. The Senior Financial Accountant is expected to operate at a strategic level building strong relationships with internal and external partners and being a key and active member of senior manager forums.

Specifically, the purpose of the role is to:
* Specialise in, and lead on, aspects of the Council's statutory financial accounting and reporting requirements (including the Statement of Accounts), its Treasury Management function or other regulatory requirements such as those related to UK duties and taxes, to ensure that the required standards and statutory deadlines are met.
* Support the establishment and maintenance of a framework of accounting policies and internal financial controls which ensure that the Council complies with statutory regulations, Codes of Practice and professional best practice, and to provide practical advice and interpretation consistent with these policies and controls to ensure the highest standards of financial governance in all of the Council's decision making and operations.
* Ensure that officers are provided with high quality strategic advice and direction on financial strategies, projects and other initiatives.
* To lead on any project or programme as agreed by the Chief Accountant.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

* Full CCAB qualification.
* Minimum 2 years post qualification experience with significant experience of working as a technical financial accountant within a local government setting
* Knowledge and understanding of government regulations (including those related to taxes and duties), Codes of Practice and underlying accounting standards, and practical experience of applying these in a large organisation - preferably public sector.
* Analysing, interpreting, communicating and effectively implementing changes to accounting practice and/or taxation rules and regulations.
* Engaging with and providing high quality technical accounting and taxation advice and support to finance professionals, and non finance managers.
* Identifying and acting on opportunities for improving financial systems, internal controls and/or processes.
* Evaluating and advising on the accounting, taxation and financing implications of innovative alternatives to the delivery of large scale services.
* Financial planning and management in a large, complex, customer focussed organisation.
* Inspiring and motivating staff and colleagues, setting targets and goals for the delivery of services.
* Working within and influencing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.
* Ability to establish credibility with other finance professionals, directors, senior management teams, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
* Strong delivery/performance focus.
* Ability to contribute effectively in a large complex organisation with plans for radical change and improvement.
* Ability to build effective working relationships with finance colleagues, the Council's external auditor and other key stakeholders; includes commissioning of work and quality assurance of outputs.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.