Chief Accountant

Interim Deputy Chief Accountant (Senior)

Based in London, hybrid

Length: 3 months initially

Inside IR35

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Chief Accountant to join a local authority on an interim basis. This is a senior-level role requiring in-depth technical accounting expertise within local government, including extensive experience in year-end closure and managing external audits.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Leading the preparation of the Council's annual Financial Statements in line with relevant accounting codes of practice and statutory requirements
• Providing leadership and expert advice on all aspects of financial accounting and internal controls, ensuring compliance with best practice and technical standards
• Managing the external audit process for the Council's annual accounts
• Reporting to and advising senior management and councillors on the implications of technical accounting matters
• As a key member of the Finance Management Team, you will also contribute to wider finance initiatives, supporting continuous improvement, efficiency, and strong financial governance

Experience and knowledge required:

• A full CCAB or CIMA professional accountancy qualification
• Proven experience leading the annual closure of accounts and producing the Statement of Accounts within a local government setting
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting legislation, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Advanced technical expertise in preparing local government financial statements
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and meet tight deadlines
• Previous experience operating at Chief Accountant level within a local authority
• A strong technical accounting background with experience handling complex audit queries

To apply for this role or to find out about other jobs, please contact the London Local Government Recruitment team