Chief Accountant

Chief Accountant
Location: Bristol
Contract: Temporary (3 months)
Rate: £500-£550 Per Day Umbrella
Start date: ASAP
*Hybrid Working*
Contact: .uk

Job Description

Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in Bristol for a Chief Accountant. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional to play a key role in delivering expert financial advice, managing budgets, and ensuring strong financial governance. If you have experience in financial management, budgeting, and team leadership within a local authority setting, we’d love to hear from you!

Main responsibilities

• Lead on Local Authority technical accounting processes, including annual close-down of accounts, preparation of statutory returns, and liaising with external auditors to ensure compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS, SORP, Code of Practice).
• Oversee the management of the Collection Fund, including Council Tax and Business Rates, and support accurate and effective budget setting processes for these income streams.
• Provide innovative and comprehensive financial advice to senior managers and councillors, contributing to both strategic planning and operational decision-making across the council.
• Provide clear leadership to the finance team, supporting professional development and ensuring the effective delivery of services through strong management and collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial governance, control, and grip across the council, identifying and supporting initiatives that enhance financial performance and accountability.

Candidate Requirements

• The candidate must hold a full CCAB accounting qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW) or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrable in-depth understanding and hands-on experience in technical accounting within a local authority setting, including annual close-down and statutory reporting.
• Strong knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), and the Local Authority Code of Practice.
• Proven experience in Council Tax Collection Fund accounting, as well as Business Rates and Council Tax budget setting.
• A track record of leading and developing finance teams, with excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills to influence and support senior stakeholders.

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Miraj at Service Care Solutions on or email .uk

Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.