Job Title: Chief Accountant
Location: Bridgend County Borough
Pay Rate: £22.14 - £23.17
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours/week (Mon - Fri)
Duration: Contract
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and CCAB Qualified Accountant to join the Finance Department at Bridgend County Borough Council on an interim basis. This critical role provides essential cover due to sickness absence, specifically focusing on the closing of the Statement of Accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. You will provide statutory and professional accountancy services, ensuring all financial reporting meets rigorous audit standards and statutory deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
...- Year-End Accounts: Leading the preparation of the year-end Statement of Accounts within statutory deadlines, including assessing new accounting requirements and developing working papers for audit.
- Financial Reporting: Preparing and presenting complex technical reports on financial matters to Senior Management and Members.
- Budget Management: Coordinating the preparation of annual budgets and monthly management accounts to provide accurate financial intelligence to budget holders.
- Statutory Returns: Completing statutory and non-statutory statistical returns, including Whole of Government Accounts.
- Advisory Services: Providing professional financial advice, guidance, and challenge to Directorate Management teams regarding business cases and legislative changes.
- Leadership & Support: Managing and developing staff within the finance team and deputising for the Finance Manager as required.
- Audit Liaison: Acting as a primary point of contact for external auditors (HMRC, etc.) to ensure resources are maximised and audit amendments are minimised.
Essential Requirements
- Education: Must be a CCAB Qualified Accountant (proof of original qualification certificates required).
- Professional Experience: Proven experience working within a professional accountancy service, preferably within a local government setting.
- Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of local government management, technical accounting requirements, and national service developments.
- IT Proficiency: Excellent ICT skills, specifically with financial information systems, Microsoft Word, and advanced Excel.
- Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze trends, identify financial risks, and maintain high levels of accuracy under pressure.
- Communication: Ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to a variety of audiences, including non-financial managers.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced finance professional capable of delivering high-quality statutory accounts during this critical closing period, we invite you to apply.
Please contact Akhil at 01622585980 to register your interest.
Randstad Business Support is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.