About the Role
and our Ideal Candidate
As our Financial Reporting Manager, you will hold a senior leadership position within the Shared Finance Service (SFS). While the SFS supports both the Royal Borough of Kingston and the London Borough of Sutton, you will join a peer-led model where two Financial Reporting Managers work in close partnership. In this structure, each manager takes lead responsibility for the financial integrity and statutory accounts of one of the two authorities.
Reporting to the Head of Financial Reporting & Control, your primary focus will be leading the annual closing process and the production of the Statement of Accounts for your assigned Council. You will provide high-level technical expertise in areas such as the balance sheet, grants and collection fund. You will act as a key advisor to the S officer and Assistant Director, ensuring that the Council’s financial health is reported with precision, clarity, and strategic insight.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a CCAB (or equivalent) qualified professional with a deep technical understanding of Local Authority accounting, who thrives in a collaborative, high-performing environment. You should bring:
1. Financial Reporting Expertise: Extensive experience in closing the accounts of a large Local Authority and a deep understanding of the CIPFA Code and statutory reporting frameworks.
2. Collaborative Leadership: The ability to work seamlessly with your peer manager to align accounting practices across the shared service while providing mutual support during peak periods.
3. People Development: A passion for line managing, coaching, and mentoring staff, helping us fulfill our ambition to "grow our own talent" within the finance profession.
4. Strategic Communication: The capability to interpret complex legislation and translate it into clear, professional advice for Committee Reports and senior decision-makers.
5. Integrity and Stewardship: A strong commitment to maintaining robust financial governance and protecting the integrity of the public purse.
About Us
The Financial Reporting & Control team covers financial reporting, systems, control and tax, as part of the Finance Shared Service for London Borough of Sutton and Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. This includes producing the annual statement of accounts which are up to date and on time for both boroughs.
The Shared Finance Service ambition is to add value and inspire success and this role is part of the Shared Finance Service (SFS) collectively responsible for delivering SFS activities to realise this ambition.
Our Offer To You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential and will offer you a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment to grow and develop your career and skills. We’re constantly striving to improve our ways of working so putting your ideas across however big or small; will be fully encouraged and supported by your colleagues and our dynamic and experienced management team.
Employees have access to a wide range of benefits to enable staff to achieve a work life balance, some of which include:
6. A generous annual leave entitlement of 26-31 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply) depending on service and grade
7. Enhanced Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependents leave
8. Two volunteering days per year
9. Flexible Working - Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
10. Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
11. Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
12. Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
13. Interest free season ticket loans
14. Local Government Pension Scheme
15. Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
16. Zip car scheme
17. Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support