6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Chief Accountant is responsible for the programming, administration, quality, and control of the Business Support Team and Technical Accounts function, including Treasury Management, for both Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare the Annual Statement of Accounts for each Council in line with current accounting standards (IFRS, CIPFA Code, or equivalent) and statutory deadlines.
  

• Manage and mentor the Technical Accountant in supporting accounts preparation.
  

• Develop and monitor the Final Accounts Timetable, ensuring clear roles and adherence to deadlines.
  

• Implement a performance management framework for final accounts and budget monitoring.
  

• Support the Financial Services Manager in coordinating General Fund Estimates, Housing Revenue Accounts, and corporate budgets.
  

• Monitor progress against budget savings, identifying and reporting variances.
  

• Liaise with external auditors regarding annual accounts, accounting changes, and systems.
  

• Administer the overhead management system, calculating and allocating recharges.
  

• Oversee the Fixed Asset Register, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and accurate depreciation.
  

• Act as an authorised signatory on bank mandates, invoices, and purchase requisitions.
  

• Oversee the Shared Treasury Management Service, ensuring cover, compliance, and effective cash management.
  

• Approve borrowing and lending transactions in accordance with the Treasury Management Policy.
  

• Oversee the Capital Programme for both Councils, ensuring effective administration.
  

• Supervise the Systems and Reconciliation Team, ensuring reconciliations, system maintenance, and development are effectively managed.
  

• Maintain and control the general ledger, ensuring appropriate controls and timely period closures.
  

• Manage the corporate finance budgets for both authorities.
  

• Maintain and monitor the grants register, ensuring accurate recording and allocation.
  

• Advise Service Managers, Assistant Directors, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on accounting systems and compliance with Financial Regulations.
  

• Arrange publication and public inspection of the Statement of Accounts, responding to public queries.
  

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Assistant Director – Finance and Customer Services or the Chief Finance Officer.
  

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years post-CCAB qualification experience.
  

• Proven experience in preparing and producing Statements of Accounts.
  

• Demonstrable experience of managing and developing staff.
  

• Strong track record of budget management and monitoring.
  

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, IFRS, and local authority finance.
  

• Experience of working in a complex financial environment, preferably within the public sector.