Guildford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to join their Finance team. Your new company Guildford Borough Council serves as the local government authority for the Borough of Guildford in Surrey, England, providing a wide range of services to its residents and businesses. The council is responsible for district-level services such as waste and recycling collection, housing, planning, and leisure facilities.Guildford Borough Council’s Improvement Plan (2024) has been classed as fit for purpose and excellent progress has been made, including closing the council’s accounts on time two years in a row, agreeing a balanced budget for 2025/26, and reshaping housing services after years of poor performance. This is a great time to come and join Guildford Borough Council on their journey! Your new role Guildford Borough Council is seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to join their Finance team. This pivotal role reports directly to the Head of Finance and includes leadership of a small, dedicated team. As Chief Accountant, you will play a strategic role in delivering expert financial and commercial advice across the organisation, ensuring the Council’s plans and operations are executed in a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Guildford is renowned for its vibrant professional community and is a fantastic place to advance your career, working alongside some of Surrey’s most influential finance leaders, including those with extensive experience in Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). This provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into LGR finance and to contribute to the wider local government finance landscape. Key Responsibilities: Lead and supervise the accounting team, ensuring all tasks are completed accurately and within statutory deadlines. Oversee the production and reporting of the Council’s financial statements, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Manage budgeting processes and contribute to robust financial planning. Ensure adherence to all relevant financial regulations and compliance standards. Drive strategic financial planning to support long-term organisational goals. Implement effective cost management practices. Identify and manage financial risks proactively. Lead the preparation of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and deliver the Council’s grouped statement of accounts on time. What you'll need to succeed Fully qualified CCAB accountant. Proven experience within Local Government finance. Strong leadership and team management skills. Ability to provide strategic financial insight and support. Salary: £61,348 - £70,324, plus an additional £8,000 market supplement. They will pay at the top of the grade for the right candidate. What you'll get in return Continuous career development and career reviews Flexible working options available. 2 days a week required on site in well-placed Guildford Council Office Guildford is exceptionally well-connected to London, making it an ideal location for professionals seeking a balance between a tranquil environment and easy access to the capital. The quickest train time is just 32 minutes from London. Parking Local Government Pension scheme Generous holiday allowance Flexi-time Working in a superb, friendly finance team Relocation scheme Benefits portal Professional subscriptions Private medical insurance Loan schemes for a season ticket, car and bicycle What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Caroline Whicher on 07889992004 for a strictly P&C conversation. Do not send your CV directly to Guildford Borough Council as it will be deleted for fair and open competition purposes. Please email caroline.whicher@hays.com with any questions or queries. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. 4736993