Key Responsibilities ● Team Leadership: Manage, support, and develop staff within the Financial Accounting team, allocating work and ensuring priorities and deadlines are met. ● Statutory Accounts: Lead on aspects of the annual Statement of Accounts in compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice and statutory requirements. ● Account Closedown: Coordinate the closedown process, including preparing and reviewing working papers, disclosures, and reconciliations. ● Technical Accounting: Provide guidance across the Authority on complex areas, including capital accounting, leases, pensions, provisions, and treasury management. ● Audit & Governance: Serve as a key contact for internal and external audit queries, ensuring timely resolution and implementation of audit recommendations. ● Controls & Integrity: Maintain balance sheet integrity through regular monitoring and ensure financial controls, governance, and procurement rules are rigorously followed. Requirements & Qualifications ● Qualifications: Minimum Part-qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW, or equivalent). ● Experience: Significant senior-level financial accounting experience in local government or the public sector, with a proven track record in producing local authority statutory accounts and managing audits. ● Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of public sector financial frameworks, regulations, and the CIPFA Code of Practice. ● Skills: Strong leadership, analytical problem-solving, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders