Senior Financial Accountant

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• Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
• Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
• Salary: £53,460 - £63,013 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent

This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.

We are looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join our Finance team. You will be joining our Finance Team at an exciting time as we look to transform the service we offer to stakeholders and drive forward financial performance.

This role forms a crucial part of the Finance Management Team, and you will be key to making operational finance decisions.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, areas of responsibility will include:

• Assume day to day management of the Financial Control team with direct responsibility for three and a wider team of eight
• Lead on the delivery of Statement of Accounts and be pivotal in transforming processes ensuring a strong internal control environment
• Provide expert financial advice to the Finance Team and across the organisation
• Develop, review and improve strategies, policies and procedures
• Support the Head of Finance in writing and reporting on the Treasury, Capital and Investment Strategies for both councils
• Work with the Systems team to ensure smooth and timely reporting from the finance system as well as enabling self‑service for managers for budget management and forecasting

You will:

• Be a fully qualified Accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA) with significant finance experience, supporting service teams within the public sector or a similar multi‑disciplined sector
• Have corporate financial management experience, able to deliver Statement of Accounts to tight deadlines and liaise effectively with external auditors, providing explanations and answering queries
• Be an excellent communicator with experience of reviewing business cases and financial appraisals providing expert advice and recommendations
• Be comfortable dealing with people at all levels and working in a complex and sometimes challenging operating environment
• Be an experienced team leader, personable and patient with the ability to motivate and provide a positive environment
• Focus on delivery and strive for excellence and continual improvement of the finance service

• Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years)
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs
• Private Health Care Options
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Paid volunteering days
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting)
• Great learning and development opportunities

Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history; supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification; CV is attached to your application.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.