Job title: Lead Accountant
Job type: Contract

Job Description

Lead Accountant

Location: Walsall (near Birmingham) (Hybrid: 2-3 days in the office during training, 1-2 days post-training)

Contract: 6-12 months

Salary: £220 per day (Inside IR35)

Are you an experienced public sector finance professional looking for a leadership role? We are recruiting for a Lead Accountant to join our team on a temporary contract, providing proactive financial support to our directorates and leading a team of skilled finance professionals. You will be a member of CCAB/CIMA body and undertaking active CPD, or actively studying for a CCAB/CIMA qualification.

 

About the Role:

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Finance, you will manage a team of Finance Business Partners, Accountancy Officers, and apprentices, delivering first-class, value-for-money financial services. You will:

  • Support budgeting processes and resource planning
  • Deliver high-quality financial information to senior management
  • Present financial information at public meetings, Scrutiny panels, and regional projects
  • Deputise for the Deputy Head of Finance as required
  • Lead in the production and monitoring of written procedures for team roles
  • Play a key role in service improvement, change management, and transformation programs
  • Ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities, Financial Contract Rules, and Code of Conduct policies

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Financial Leadership: Lead the finance team, ensuring proactive support to directorates, managing financial risks, and advising senior management.
  • Strategic Insight: Assess new legislation and guidelines, producing briefing notes and reports for senior leaders.
  • Decision-Making: Provide financial appraisal and cost-benefit analysis for business proposals.
  • Managing Resources: Liaise with Executive Directors and service managers to provide reliable financial support across service areas (ASC, Regeneration, CYP, etc.).
  • Performance Management: Ensure performance targets are met, staff cover is maintained, and quality financial services are provided.
  • Out of hours work: Occasional working outside normal hours eg: meeting attendance, training, workloads etc…

 

The Ideal Candidate:

  • Proven experience in public sector finance
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing finance teams
  • Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and providing strategic financial advice
  • Ability to communicate financial information to a wide range of stakeholders
  • Experience with financial regulations and performance management

 

What We Offer:

  • Competitive daily rate of £220 (Inside IR35)
  • Hybrid working model with flexibility
  • An opportunity to lead and influence key financial decisions within the public sector

 

Please apply for more details.