About The Role West Oxfordshire District Council is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Accountant to join our small but highly collaborative Finance team, based in our Witney offices. This is your chance to step into a key role where youll help shape financial decision-making, strengthen partnerships across the council, and add real value, not just on paper, but where it truly matters: in communities, in services, and in people. As a Senior Accountant, youll be a vital force within our finance leadership structure. Youll help lead a small, close-knit team, helping them grow through structure, guidance, and mentorship. Youll also work closely with budget holders across a range of services and with internal and external stakeholders, offering expert advice and building strong, supportive partnerships all year round. You will be flexible, adaptable and approachable, doing everything finance related from budget setting and monitoring to statutory reporting and audits. Some of the exciting projects for West Oxfordshire District Council on the horizon include a £2.5m leisure facilities improvement programme, an upcoming housing project and preparations for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), so you must be ready to hit the ground running and be part of some great projects. We ask that you work from the office two days a week, including Wednesdays. Theres flexibility around which other day you choose, and youre always welcome to come in more often. Some of your other responsibilities: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, local government accounting code of practice, audit requirements and other statutory duties. Support strategic decision-making through business cases, appraisals, and cross-organisational projects. Partner with service leads and budget holders to develop financial plans, provide insightful advice, and ensure robust financial support throughout the year. You will need Full accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Significant experience in local government accounting, including budget management and statutory reporting. Leadership experience, with the confidence to guide, support and inspire a team. A solutions-focused mindset, adaptability to change, and a calm approach under pressure. A collaborative, respectful and kind attitude, someone who works well in a small, close-knit team and contributes positively to the culture. A strong grasp of financial legislation and audit practices within the local government sector. Special Conditions Full UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes. Politically restricted postholders are restricted from canvassing on behalf of a political party or for a person who is, or seeks to be, a candidate for election to a local authority, the House of Commons, or the European Parliament. Your role will require a Baseline Personnel Security Standard Check (BPSS) For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification. Interview Date: 3rd December/4th December What can we do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role) 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 30 days after five years service and 33 days following 10 years continuous service In addition you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care Generous contributory local government pension scheme Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues Cycle to work scheme Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements Terms and conditions apply These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us! About The Organisation West Oxfordshire District Council is a forward-looking council, putting residents first and working in partnership to support our communities. We are delivering an ambitious Council Plan for the district that is focused on important local priorities including affordable housing, climate and ecological action, helping our economy to grow and building communities. We also provide a range of important local services that make a positive impact to our district on a daily basis including planning, housing, waste and recycling collections, leisure centres, community safety and environmental health. Joining West Oxfordshire District Council you will be helping us achieve our goals for the district and play a part in supporting our communities, our businesses and our environment. Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.