Senior Financial Accountant – AR

Senior Financial Accountant

Location: Dorset / Devon & Cornwall Police Headquarters (hybrid working available)
Contract Type: Temporary / Contract
Department: Alliance Finance Department
Reporting to: Head of Financial Accounting

We are seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accountant to join the Alliance Finance Department supporting both Dorset Police and Devon & Cornwall Police
, as well as the respective Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioners.

This is a senior technical finance role responsible for providing expert financial accounting support, ensuring strong financial governance, statutory compliance and accurate financial reporting across both Forces.

Working closely with the Head of Financial Accounting and wider Finance leadership team, you will play a key role in the delivery of statutory accounts, financial planning, capital accounting, treasury-related activity, audit liaison and continuous improvement of finance processes.

The successful candidate will also deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting when required, providing senior-level support, leadership and resilience across the Finance function.

• Support the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, including financial statements, accounting policies, Whole Government Accounts and supporting documentation.
• Ensure financial reporting processes comply with statutory requirements, accounting standards and relevant financial regulations.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external auditors, providing information, resolving queries and supporting successful audit outcomes.
• Lead relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, actuaries, valuers and other specialist advisers to ensure financial information is accurate and robust.
• Oversee capital accounting activity, including capital programmes, asset accounting, funding arrangements and financial monitoring.
• Support the development of Treasury Management and Capital Strategies, contributing to wider Medium-Term Financial Planning.
• Analyse complex financial data, identify risks and provide clear financial insight to support senior decision-making.
• Produce financial reports, performance indicators and management information to ensure accuracy, transparency and effective financial control.
• Review and improve financial systems, processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and reporting quality.
• Provide technical accounting guidance and training to finance colleagues.
• Support, develop and oversee finance staff, including performance management, mentoring and professional development.
• Deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting when required, representing the team at meetings and supporting operational continuity.

You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience within financial accounting.

You will have a strong technical accounting background with experience of producing complex financial information, supporting statutory reporting requirements and working with senior stakeholders.

You will be confident analysing financial data, challenging assumptions and providing clear advice to colleagues at all levels.

The ideal candidate will have experience of:

• Statutory accounts preparation and financial reporting
• Audit liaison and compliance reporting
• Capital accounting and asset management
• Budget monitoring and financial forecasting
• Improving finance processes and systems
• Leading and developing finance teams
• Presenting complex financial information to senior audiences

Experience with in public sector finance, local government, policing, NHS or another regulated environment would be highly desirable.

• CCAB qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
• Significant post-qualification financial accounting experience.
• Experience analysing, interpreting and presenting complex financial information.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems experience.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience leading, supporting and developing finance staff.
• Ability to identify problems, provide solutions and drive continuous improvement.

• Public sector accounting experience.
• Knowledge of local government or policing finance.
• Experience working with statutory accounts and external audit processes.
• Understanding of capital accounting, treasury management and financial governance frameworks.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced qualified accountant to join a high-profile public sector finance function, supporting the financial sustainability and governance of two Police Forces.

You will have the opportunity to influence financial processes, support strategic decision-making and work with senior stakeholders across a complex and important public service environment.