Lead Financial Reporting Specialist
This role presents a unique opportunity to become the expert lead on financial reporting, playing a vital role in shaping the financial future of the organization. As a key member of the finance team, you will be responsible for the leadership and management of financial reporting processes, ensuring high standards of governance and compliance.
The ideal candidate will possess strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards, capital financing, and statutory accounting. Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements and manage external audits is also essential. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are required to work closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leading the preparation of statutory financial statements and external audit processes.
* Acting as the lead on financial reporting, collection fund, and asset accounting.
* Supporting the development of the finance team and driving continuous improvement in statutory reporting.
* Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
* Managing the Council's Fixed Asset Register and liaising with property teams and external valuers.
Benefits:
* A competitive salary and benefits package.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
* Access to a flextime system, allowing staff to work additional hours between 7:30am and 7:00pm (6:30pm on Fridays) and take up to one day's flexible leave each calendar month.
* Generous annual leave entitlement: 26 days for full-time staff, rising to 29 days after five years' continuous local government service, 31 days after ten years, and 34 days after twenty years.
* Membership of the Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit occupational pension scheme.
* Payment of professional membership fees where a qualification is required for the role.
* Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentoring, and support for continuing professional qualifications.
Requirements:
* A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
* Significant experience in local government finance or a similar public sector environment.
* Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards, capital financing, and statutory accounting.
* Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements and manage external audits.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
About Us:
We offer a collaborative and inclusive working environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. We provide a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including wellbeing days and events, 24/7 access to a free Employee Assistance Programme, cycle to work scheme, reduced gym membership, on-site food and drink facilities, option to purchase additional annual leave, volunteering opportunities in the community, Kaarp benefit scheme, and free parking next to the Council offices.
If you're interested in this role, please forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. We welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to excellence and innovation.