RQ1790201 – Chief Accountant

Job Details

Work Pattern: 37 hours per week, Remote or on-site: hybrid, ideally at least once a week on-site

PAYE Pay Rate: If you’re interested, please come forward with ideal pay rate

Main Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the financial accounting and technical finance functions for Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

You will be responsible for overseeing the preparation of annual Statements of Accounts, managing balance sheets, revenue and capital budgets, treasury management and financial reporting for both authorities.

The role will involve leading and developing a small finance team, ensuring financial records are accurate, statutory deadlines are met and both councils maintain strong financial controls and effective financial management.

Typical Day Overview

  • Leading and supporting the Technical Accountant, Systems Accountant and Reconciliation Officers.

  • Overseeing financial reporting, balance sheet management and general ledger activities.

  • Managing the preparation and delivery of annual Statements of Accounts.

  • Monitoring revenue and capital budgets and identifying financial variances.

  • Overseeing treasury management, including borrowing, lending and cash flow.

  • Liaising with external auditors, senior managers and finance colleagues.

  • Ensuring financial systems, reconciliations and accounting procedures are accurate and compliant.

  • Providing financial advice and guidance to senior management and service departments.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

  • Lead the preparation of annual Statements of Accounts for both councils.

  • Ensure compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant accounting regulations.

  • Manage balance sheets, fixed asset registers and general ledger controls.

  • Ensure accounting periods and year-end processes are completed within statutory deadlines.

Budget Management

  • Coordinate revenue and capital budgets, including General Fund and Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA).

  • Monitor expenditure, income, budget performance and savings.

  • Identify financial risks, investigate variances and provide accurate financial reporting.

  • Support budget setting and in-year budget monitoring.

Treasury and Capital Management

  • Oversee treasury management activities, including cash flow, borrowing and lending.

  • Ensure council funds are managed effectively and in accordance with treasury policies.

  • Oversee the administration and monitoring of capital programmes.

Team Leadership and Management

  • Manage, mentor and develop a team of four finance professionals.

  • Allocate workloads, monitor performance and ensure deadlines are achieved.

  • Support continuous professional development and improve financial processes.

Stakeholder and Audit Management

  • Liaise with external auditors throughout the annual accounts process.

  • Provide financial advice to Assistant Directors, Service Managers and senior leadership.

  • Work collaboratively across departments to support effective financial decision-making.

Essential Requirements and Qualifications

  • Full CCAB professional qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW or CIMA where accepted as CCAB membership).

  • Minimum 5 years’ post-qualification experience.

  • Proven experience preparing annual Statements of Accounts.

  • Experience managing and monitoring budgets within a complex financial environment.

  • Previous experience managing and developing staff.

  • Thorough understanding of accounting principles, financial regulations and reporting standards.

  • Strong knowledge of financial management, balance sheets and year-end accounting processes.

  • Full UK driving license.