Lead Accountant

Job Details

• Address:
  Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX
  – hybrid working
• Salary: £60,135 per annum (pro‑rata for part time)
• Hours:
  
  37 hours per week – flexible working options available
• Contract:
  
  Permanent

We are a modern, flexible and effective organisation that is driven to make a positive difference to the environment, the communities we serve and the careers of our people. As a Lead Accountant on our Finance team, you will be encouraged to share your fresh thinking and explore new ideas that will shape and improve our services as well as your career.

Take the lead in shaping the future of financial management and drive innovation and excellence across the council.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of our financial systems to ensure they are efficient and effective.
• Design and deliver high‑quality training to empower staff across the council.
• Implement best practice, using the CIPFA Financial Management Code as a benchmark.
• Strengthen financial governance and compliance through collaboration with colleagues.
• Manage and mentor staff, represent senior leadership when required, and collaborate with stakeholders.
• Support the implementation of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation during a period of significant change.
• Lead initiatives to embed best practice and improve the culture of outstanding financial practice.

• Legal qualification – CCAB (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Broad base of financial experience and knowledge, preferably from a public sector background.
• Leadership experience – lead a small team (around 2 staff) to achieve goals collaboratively.
• Ability to competently represent the Chief Financial Officer as required.
• Trustworthy, diligent, motivated, and able to work independently without close supervision.
• Adaptability to meet changing requirements and needs.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain technical/financial information in simple terms.

Complete requirements are detailed in the Job and Person Profile (WORD). Even if you do not meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply.

You will work as part of the Corporate Finance team, alongside three other Lead Accountants, reporting to the Head of Corporate Finance.

We are keen to develop technology and best practice, and need someone to lead that journey.

Hybrid working is practiced; you are expected to be in the office at least two days per week.

We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented. For more information, see our Workforce Equality Report.

For a casual conversation, please contact Andrew Filby (Head of Corporate Finance and Deputy Chief Financial Officer) at 01473 260 776 or email

• Share an example of how you communicated complicated financial information to a diverse audience and how you tailored your approach.
• Describe a situation where you built strong relationships with key stakeholders to deliver a successful financial outcome, and the strategies you used.
• Tell us about your experience interpreting complex financial legislation or policies, and how you ensured your advice was accurate and understood by non‑technical stakeholders.
• Share an example of how you used financial systems to improve reporting or management within an organisation, and the benefits achieved.

Applications missing a supporting statement or CV will not be progressed. Documents must be in PDF or MS Word format. Authentic applications are valued; suspected AI‑generated applications may be rejected.

Closing date: 11:30 pm, 4 January 2026.

Interview date: W/C 12 January 2026.

As an authority committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, we require DBS or police vetting for relevant posts.

• Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro‑rata), UK bank holidays, and two paid volunteering days.
• Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
• Performance‑related annual pay progression and annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• Variety of career development opportunities across the council.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Flexible working options; right to request flexible working from your first day.

For more information about our benefits, values and equality commitments, please visit our careers website.