Senior Financial Accountant

Contract | Civic Recruitment Limited | United Kingdom

Posted On 27/02/2026

Work Experience 4-5 years

Interim & Executive Management

City Woldingham

Province Surrey

Postal Code CR3

3 month contract role with a Local Authority

• The Senior Financial Accountant will provide senior-level financial leadership to the Surrey Pension Fund during a critical period, ensuring business as usual continuity and supporting the year-end cycle.
• The postholder will take operational ownership of pension fund accounting, financial reporting, governance, controls, budgeting and stakeholder engagement.
• This is a hands‑on, delivery-focused interim assignment suited to an experienced LGPS or public sector pensions finance professional who can operate autonomously with minimal onboarding.

• Lead on financial controls, reconciliations, governance, compliance and risk management across the Pension Fund.
• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes, including oversight of the Surrey Pension Team budget and Fund financial projections.
• Oversee cashflow management, banking operations, income allocations and performance monitoring against KPIs.
• Take responsibility for the preparation, accuracy and audit-readiness of the Pension Fund Accounts and Annual Report.
• Produce high-quality financial reports and present clear financial insight to Committees, Boards and senior leadership.
• Provide leadership and direction to a small finance team, setting priorities and ensuring timely delivery.
• Deputise for the Head of Pensions – Resources when required.
• Support external audit processes and maintain strong working relationships with auditors, investment managers and external partners.
• Ensure effective interpretation and communication of complex financial data to both finance and non‑finance stakeholders.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIPFA).
• Significant LGPS or public sector pensions finance experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of pension fund accounting and statutory reporting requirements.
• High proficiency in financial systems, modelling, reconciliations and data analysis.
• Proven ability to lead finance teams and manage competing priorities.
• Experience producing reports for Committees and Pension Boards.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across finance, investment and governance functions.
• Ability to stabilise and improve business as usual (BAU) processes.
• Confident communicator, capable of presenting financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.
• Highly organised, proactive and delivery-driven.

• The closing date: 06/03/2026.
• Location:
  
  Surrey (Woking) – Hybrid working, with on‑site presence as required.
• Duration: 3 months initially, with potential extension.