Job Description
The Senior Accountant is responsible for the provision of technical accounting advice to the Accountancy section and to the Deputy Section 95 Officer. The role has a significant coordinating function in relation to the preparation of the Annual Accounts, capital and revenue monitoring, treasury management support and the Council's financial planning processes as agreed with the Service Managers.
The postholder also has responsibility for the line management, development and performance management of Accountants, and assists the Service Managers in the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service.
Requirements
Provide senior professional and technical accounting advice to support the preparation of the Annual Report and Abstract of Accounts and liaise with External Audit as required.
Provide senior professional support to the Council’s capital and treasury management activities, including capital monitoring, prudential indicators and liaison with treasury advisers, in support of the Service Manager(s).
Support the Council’s financial planning and budget monitoring processes, including revenue and capital reporting, and contribute to the development of medium to long‑term financial planning.
Prepare and present financial reports to senior management and Committees and provide professional financial advice to Elected Members where required.
Provide representation for Financial Services on corporate and cross-service working groups and project boards.
Provide professional leadership within the Accountancy service, including oversight of accounting standards, technical guidance, training and continuous professional development.
Line manage designated Accountants and contribute to the effective management and delivery of the Accountancy service in support of the Service Manager(s).
The duties of the Senior Accountant role are undertaken collectively by two postholders. Lead responsibility for specific functional areas (such as annual accounts, capital, treasury management or financial planning) will be allocated by the Service Manager(s) and may change over time to reflect service priorities, resilience and development needs.
The Individual
Post-qualifying experience in a public sector finance department
Significant supervisory or managerial experience in a Finance environment
Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA Accountant
Ability to interpret, apply and explain technical policies, procedures, guidance and legislation
Strong written and oral communications skills and an ability to deal effectively with queries and provide advice
Self-confident and self-motivated
Computer literate with a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook
Strong organisational and time management skills
Strong customer focus
You will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the service. Due to the rural nature of Moray this is normally undertaken by use of a car/van
Committed and able to work under own initiative
Ability to manage personal workload and that of others, address conflicting priorities, meet deadlines (statutory and internal) working to a high degree of accuracy
Politically sensitive and astute
Ability to write clear, concise and easily understandable reports for Senior Officers and Members
Experience of working under pressure and delivering work to deadlines
Ability to establish confidence, credibility and trust
Ability to contribute to the development of financial policies
A flexible approach to new working practices and technology
Appreciation, acceptance of and commitment to the importance of confidentiality
Ability to motivate and monitor staff
Strong leadership and supportive approach to team members.
An ability to work as part of a management team delivering services.
Flexibility to meet the needs and demands of the service
Ability to work in a shared office and at home
Ability to work in different offices depending on the needs of the service
Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Starting Salary: £52,478.40
£27.84 per hour
36.25 Hours per week
Proposed Interview Date: TBC
For further information, contact Susan Souter, 07971 879249