What's involved with this role: Job Title: Head Accountant Ref: Devon 5281146 Pay rate: £32.77 per hour PAYE Role length: Anticipated 3 months Working arrangements: Hybrid working with at least 2 – 3 days in the office Additional information: Basic DBS The role: We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head Accountant to provide strategic advice and to ensure the provision of comprehensive financial services across a wide range of disparate services. This will include the analysis of complex financial information, financial monitoring, planning and budgeting, financial advice on operational and strategic plans and their impact, closure of the financial accounts and the implementation, review and improvement of financial processes. Key responsibilities: Provide high-level strategic and operational financial advice to Heads of Service, Senior Managers, Chief Officers, Elected Members, and external partners in line with current legislation and best practice Lead on the preparation, monitoring and closure of budgets, ensuring accuracy, transparency and compliance with financial regulations and corporate standards Support the development of Medium-Term Financial Strategies and other initiatives such as savings programmes, providing clear analysis and insight to inform decision-making Oversee financial processes for commissioning, contracting, partnerships and collaborative arrangements, ensuring robust governance and accountability Deliver focused financial services to key business areas — using professional judgement and experience to influence senior leaders, resolve competing priorities, and balance budgetary pressures Lead and develop the Group’s staff to achieve high standards of financial expertise. Ensure the team is fully trained, aligned with budget targets, and equipped to deliver cultural and transformational change Guarantee the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of all financial accounts, budgets, and reports Expand and enhance financial support services for existing and new clients, driving innovation and maintaining excellence within the Financial Support Service Unit Provide strategic financial advice and guidance to officers and Members, ensuring sound financial management and direction within the service area Oversee all accounting processes — from budget estimates and monitoring to year-end closure — safeguarding the integrity of accounts, ensuring compliance, and meeting corporate deadlines Produce budgets that align with cabinet targets and corporate finance directives, ensuring consistency across all service areas Represent Finance at Scrutiny and other committee meetings, presenting insights and recommendations with authority and clarity. Drive efficiency through automation of budget preparation, monitoring, and account close-down processes. Continuously review and improve financial practices to anticipate future organisational needs What the client is looking for: Qualified Accountant, e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or other equivalent qualifications Depth of knowledge in all aspects of financial management Adult Social Care experience Strategic and operational leadership experience to provide clear direction to assist development of effective working relationships and performance of the organisation Experienced in managing change, exploiting new opportunities and developing a positive performance management and improvement culture Networking and partnership working skills Good management skills including direct line appraisal meetings and managing a team through change Working knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, Service Reporting Code of Practice and International Financial Reporting Standards (IGAAP) Detailed knowledge of local authority accounting regulations and codes of Practice Highly numerate and excellent verbal and written communication skills How to Apply: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.