Chief Accountant Brentwood Contract £600 per day Limited Our client is looking for an experienced and qualified Chief Accountant. Formulate and develop the General Fund and (for Brentwood) the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme, monitor programmes and produce reports • Oversee and lead on the Treasury Management function, including the management of the Council’s cashflows, its banking, money market and capital market transactions • Develop the Capital and Investment Strategy which includes the Treasury Management Strategy. • Help develop the HRA’s 30-year Business Plan • Plan and co-ordinate the final accounts process including liaison with external audit • Act as the lead advisor on technical accounting, including Collection Fund, Pensions and VAT. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To have line management responsibility for the Technical Accountant, including one to one review meetings, appraisals, leave booking and work allocation. 2. Support the implementation of policies and strategies for the financial service to support service delivery, value for money and the delivery of the Council’s priorities and defined outcomes. 3. Attend, advise and actively participate in meeting with members, Directors, Management teams and working groups as required. 4. Prepare the treasury elements of the statement of accounts in accordance with statutory requirement. 5. Lead in the preparation and publication of the Statement of Accounts including producing notes to the accounts and professional working papers. 6. Contribute to the MTFS in relation to technical areas. 7. Take lead responsibility for technical accounting policies and strategies. 8. Lead on the Collection Fund, Pensions, VAT and any other technical/specialist requirements of the finance team. 9. To build a strong relationship with our internal and external auditors, whilst supporting the annual audit programme and in answering issues raised as part of the final accounts process. 10. Prepare the Capital & Investment Strategy by undertaking relevant research to ensure documents remain up to date and ensure best practice is applied. 11. Ensure all government returns are completed on time and correctly. 12. Provide professional advice and tailored reports to a defined group within the Council, on their financial plans and projects. Sound understanding of public sector (Local Government) finance and legislation. Good knowledge of accounting codes of practice Experience of dealing with auditors Experience in utilisation of financial management systems. Experience of working with complex administrative procedures and systems Experience of staff management Knowledge of treasury management Knowledge of technical areas of local government finance High standard of numeracy and accuracy. Previous experience in the preparation of budgets. Proven experience in the production of Annual Statement of Accounts. Ability to self-motivate, plan and prioritise to meet a variety of targets within tight deadlines. Proficient in MS Office suite of products. Excellent Accountancy/Bookkeeping skills Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to varying levels of complexity. Strong analytical skills and a pro-active approach to problem solving. Abilities to contribute positive suggestions and willing to take forward. Part or fully qualified Accountant (AAT or higher) Fully qualified CCAB Accountant PLEASE ONLY apply if you have the necessary skills, experience and expertise. The first part of our recruitment process is to send your CV. Should you be short listed Colbern Limited will contact you within 5 days or we may contact you about other job opportunities. Colbern Limited along with our clients are an equal opportunities employer