Job Description One of my local government clients is seeking an experienced and strategically-minded Deputy Chief Accountant to lead the coordination of the Council’s Statement of Accounts and ensure robust financial reporting and compliance. As a senior figure within the finance team, you will: * Lead the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts, ensuring accuracy and adherence to statutory regulations. * Ensure integrity and compliance of financial records, and offer strategic financial insight to senior leadership. * Manage daily operations within the Chief Accountant’s team, shaping procedures and overseeing their implementation. * Maintain the chart of accounts and financial transactions to support effective statutory and management reporting. * Offer high-level technical accounting advice to members, officers, and service finance teams. * Act as the key liaison with external auditors, leading responses to audit recommendations and ensuring implementation. * Deputise for the Chief Accountant as required, supporting day-to-day reporting functions. Requirements: * Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, or equivalent). * Demonstrable experience in local government or a public sector financial accounting environment. * In-depth knowledge of CIPFA Codes of Practice and local authority f...