Head Accountant
Location: Devon
Contract: Temporary (6 month initial)
Rate: £400 - £500 Per Day Umbrella (Negotiable)
Start date: ASAP
*Hybrid Working*
Contact: miraj.hussen@servicecare.org.uk
Job Description
Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Devon for an experienced and strategic Head Accountant. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to provide high-level financial leadership, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial services across a wide range of departments. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping financial strategies, managing complex budgets, and driving performance improvements. If you are a qualified accountant with strong leadership capabilities, extensive knowledge of local authority accounting, and a proven track record in managing change, we'd love to hear from you.
Main responsibilities
* Provide high-level financial advice and support to officers and Members, influencing operational and strategic decisions through the analysis of complex financial data.
* Oversee budget preparation, financial monitoring, medium-term financial strategy, and year-end account closures, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial transactions.
* Manage and lead a finance team, ensuring staff are properly trained, meet high standards of financial competence, and support cultural and transformational change initiatives.
* Ensure all financial information, accounts, and budgets are produced accurately, meet corporate deadlines, and comply with financial legislation, regulations, and accounting standards.
* Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, enhance automation in budgeting and accounts, and develop financial support services for existing and new stakeholders.
Candidate Requirements
* Qualified Accountant (e.g., CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA) or equivalent, with in-depth knowledge of all aspects of financial management, including local authority accounting regulations and relevant codes of practice.
* Proven experience in providing strategic financial leadership, managing teams through change, and fostering a culture of performance improvement and positive change management.
* Strong working knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, Service Reporting Code of Practice, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS/IGAAP).
* Ability to apply innovative financial solutions, interpret legislation, and influence non-financial stakeholders by clearly explaining complex financial concepts.
* Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with experience in networking, partnership working, and building effective relationships across a range of internal and external stakeholders.
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