6 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • The Chief Accountant will lead the Council’s Financial & Technical Accounting function, overseeing the production of the Single Entity and Group Accounts, managing the Council’s financial control framework, and acting as the organisation’s primary expert on financial accounting regulations. • The post holder will manage a team of up to 10 FTE, maintain senior-level relationships with External Auditors, lead capital and asset accounting processes, oversee VAT, and ensure robust balance sheet management. • They will also act as system owner for the Council’s core financial systems, driving improvements in reporting and controls. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Lead the preparation and delivery of the Council’s Annual Statement of Accounts (Single Entity and Group Accounts). • Act as the primary technical expert for financial accounting regulations, advising the Section 151 Officer. • Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls and ensure timely completion of all reconciliations. • Manage senior-level relationships with External Auditors, coordinating audit activity and resolving issues. • Lead year-end capital and asset accounting processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards. • Provide expert financial accounting advice to budget holders and finance colleagues, supporting major business cases and financial modelling. • Oversee completion of VAT returns and provide specialist VAT guidance across the organisation. • Maintain responsibility for the Council’s Balance Sheet, ensuring accuracy and strong financial governance. • Act as system owner for the Council’s core financial systems, driving improvements and enhancing reporting capability. • Manage, develop and support a team of up to 10 FTE, promoting high performance and professional standards. • Present complex financial information clearly to directors, councillors and senior stakeholders. • Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, CIPFA/IFRS regulations and internal policies. Skills/Experience: • Extensive experience in local government financial accounting, including year-end accounts and external audit liaison. • Strong knowledge of CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS, local government accounting frameworks and statutory reporting. • Demonstrable experience managing financial controls and preparing reconciliations. • Skilled in capital accounting, asset accounting and balance sheet management. • Experience managing VAT returns and providing technical VAT advice. • Proven track record of leading and developing financial teams. • Ability to present complex financial information to senior officers and elected members. • Strong financial systems knowledge, including system improvement and reporting development. • Excellent analytical, problem-solving and organisational skills. • Ability to work at senior level, manage competing deadlines and maintain high standards of accuracy. Additional Information: • The closing date: 12/12/2025. • CCAB-qualified accountant (essential). • Temporary role (26 weeks), 36 hours per week. • Hybrid working: minimum one day per week in the Bexley Civic Offices, plus evening meetings as required.