Our public sector client are currently looking for a Chief Accountant to join their team on a contract basis for a new position to join their growing team. This role is working on a hybrid basis with offices in South West London. The Chief Accountant post reports to the Chief Operating and Finance Officer. You'll manage three heads of finance as well as a Senior Financial Accountant. The role will oversee finance priorities and proactively plan to ensure that workloads remain equitable, work is effectively delegated and that finance team members are performing tasks appropriate for their grade. The role will be part of the Extended Business Services Leadership Team and will be a key strategic finance leader for the organisation. You will work closely with operational service and corporate leadership teams and colleagues to shape financial strategy, explain key issues and promote the use of robust management information to drive improvement and support the organisation to achieve key priorities. Skills and experience ? A proven track record as a successful strategic leader including the development of successful teams. Experience in leading and inspiring teams, undertaking line management, performance management and change management. ? Experience of building strong partnerships, maintaining relationships and co-producing solutions to challenges across a diverse set of stakeholders ? Proven experience of key finance areas including financial control, management information and reporting, statutory compliance and reporting, Accounts Payable/ Receivable and systems. ? Experienced in developing finance systems and processes ? Experience of Medium Term Financial Planning and monitoring as part of the budget setting and financial reporting process ? Strong background in financial accounting and the closedown of accounts ? Proven ability to effectively use data, intelligence and evidence to create meaningful insight and to inform own decision making. ? Proven ability to use data, information and evidence to create meaningful insight that can inform strategy or policy development, decision-making and the continual improvement of services. In a children's services context would be an advantage but not essential. ? Proven track record of proactively using your skills and knowledge to contribute to wider organisational objectives and drive positive change. ? Experience of addressing specific equality or diversity issues within your practice with colleagues/service users and taking action to solve them. ADZN1_UKTJ