Chief Accountant

Are you looking to join a dynamic local government organisation based in the Bristol area? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you!

We are looking for a proactive individual experienced in Local Authority technical accounting, including annual close-down, external audit liaison, statutory returns, management of collection fund and rates budget processes.

You will be responsible for providing comprehensive and innovative support to senior managers and councillors on a range of issues and will work collaboratively with services and staff across the finance function. This post will require provision of confident leadership and clear management to ensure the effective operational delivery of the service.

This post will require provision of confident leadership and clear management to ensure the effective operational delivery of the service.

This role will be conducted on a hybrid arrangement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide trusted proactive robust strategic and operational financial management, commercial & financial planning advice and support related to option analysis, business case development and budget management.
• Assist in the preparation of information for senior officers, councillors, and the public in relation to financial issues and attendance at internal/external boards, committees and working groups.
• Ensure that effective financial controls are in operation and that financial risk is understood, clearly reported, monitored, and proactively minimised.
• Create a culture which empowers budget holders & staff and supports the delivery of value for money services. This will incorporate relevant evidence-based reporting and include benchmarking information and key cost drivers.
• Accountable for supporting business development and transformation by using insightful predictive analytics, optimising financial modelling and commercial acumen.
• Lead on the development and clearance of all the key internal/external financial documents for respective area of the portfolio; in accordance with BCC procedures & delegated financial authority, having regard to recommended and mandatory professional accounting practices.
• Responsible for supporting the organisation and its directorates by understanding all the financial assets, liabilities and priorities for a business operation (assets, revenue, capital, funding streams & debt) and present options to senior managers to drive change, improve efficiency and enable strategic objectives to be achieved.
• Oversee the detailed revenue and/or capital budgets for inclusion within the organisation's budget, in liaison with Heads of Service and Business Partners, and in line with the MTFP, Capital Strategy & transformation, efficiency programmes. Ensuring service managers/directors have a thorough understanding and acceptance of their detailed budgets through workshops and other similar processes.

Personal Requirements:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technical accounting in a Local Authority.
• Full CCAB (or equivalent qualification).
• Clear knowledge and experience of technical accounting in a local authority setting.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards, the SORP and Code of Practice, funding requirements and opportunities.
• Knowledge of Council Tax Collection Fund accounting, business rates and council tax budget setting processes.
• Experience of leading and developing a team and excellent relationship management.

Working Hours:8:00 am - 17:00 pm, Monday to Friday

Salary:£73,688.00 per annum + Benefits