Job Description

Salary

61, 520 per annum + a reviewable Market Force Supplement up to 10,000

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full time

Date posted

14/05/2025

Job reference

COLREQ01455

Contract Type:

Permanent

Working Hours:

37 hours per week

Interviews will take place on the 12 or 13 June 2025

This is a politically restricted post

Colchester City Council is committed to delivering high-quality and accessible services to residents, visitors and businesses. We are a local government authority providing a diverse range of public and commercial services across Colchester, the second largest district in Essex.



This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key leadership role in shaping the financial future of a forward-thinking, ambitious Council. You will work within a collaborative and supportive environment, where your expertise and leadership will be truly valued and where you can make a real and lasting impact.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Accountant to lead and direct our Technical Team with a strong focus on delivering economic, efficient, effective, and customer-focused financial services, in line with the Council strategic objectives and values.

Duties of the role

In this pivotal role, you will provide expert financial advice, information, and support to Council projects, ensuring that all financial implications are fully considered within budgets and forecasts. You will lead the Council financial accounting and reporting functions, ensuring robust financial management and full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.



As Chief Accountant, you will manage the production of the Council annual accounts, maintain the day-to-day relationship with external auditors, support budget planning and monitoring, uphold effective financial controls, and contribute significantly to the provision of high-quality financial advice and insight across the organisation.

Qualifications and skills required

We are looking for a forward-thinking finance professional with full membership of a CCAB-recognised professional body (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and proven experience operating at a senior level within finance. You will have sound knowledge of local government finance, with strong treasury management knowledge or experience.



A strategic mindset with exceptional financial and business acumen and an understanding of financial systems and an appreciation of risk management is essential.



To succeed you will also have outstanding leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, empower, and develop teams and have the ability to deliver under pressure and be committed to continuous improvement in the delivery of the service.

What we offer

The Council encourages all employees to maximise their potential. You will be entitled to join an attractive pension scheme and will receive a generous annual leave entitlement, including two extra company holidays during the Christmas period.



Other benefits include: + Flexible and home working as well as working from Civic offices
+ Gym, travel and online retail discounts
+ Excellent training, development and progression opportunities



If you are ready to lead, inspire, and drive excellence in financial management, we would love to hear from you.



For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Atkinson, Interim Head of Finance at paul.atkinson@colchester.gov.uk .



For further information regarding this vacancy, please click here.



* Colchester City Council has a wide range of services and facilities that can involve dealing with children or vulnerable adults. We treat our obligations for the safety of children and vulnerable adults seriously and expect our staff to be committed to the principles of our published policies and to adhere to the procedures contained within them.