Finance Lead -

Finance Lead (LGPS) - Interim

Spencer Clarke Group are working closely with a Local Authority in the North West to appoint an Interim Pension Fund Statement of Accounts Lead to deliver the 2025/26 Pension Fund Financial Statements in line with CIPFA accounting standards.

This is a highly specialist interim assignment within the Council's LGPS function, focused on the production, finalisation and audit clearance of the Pension Fund Statement of Accounts.

This role will be based at County Hall, Preston, with a minimum of three days per week onsite.

The Role

The successful candidate will lead on the preparation and delivery of the 2025/26 LGPS Statement of Accounts, ensuring full compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting and relevant pensions accounting standards (including IAS 26).

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the production of the LGPS Pension Fund Statement of Accounts for 2025/26
• Preparing the Fund Account, Net Assets Statement and all supporting notes
• Liaising with investment managers, custodians and actuaries to obtain and validate year-end data
• Ensuring full compliance with the CIPFA Code and pensions accounting standards
• Managing the year-end closedown process for the Pension Fund
• Supporting the external audit process through to final sign-off
• Responding to audit queries and making any required technical adjustments

What's on Offer

• Contract: Initial 3 - 6 months (likely extension)
• Working pattern: Hybrid
• Hours: Full-time 37 per week
• Day Rate: 500 - 600 per day

About You

You will ideally have:

• A CCAB qualification (CIPFA / ACCA / CIMA / ACA)
• Proven experience leading on the production of local authority Statement of Accounts
• Direct experience of Pension Fund (LGPS) accounts (highly desirable)
• Strong knowledge of the CIPFA Code of Practice
• Experience working through external audit on public sector accounts
• The ability to work confidently with actuaries, investment managers and auditors

How to Apply

If you are interested, please submit your CV clearly stating your required day rate.

Applications without a stated pay rate will not be considered.

If shortlisted, a consultant will be in touch to discuss the assignment in further detail.

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