Job Description

Employer:
Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Salary:
Grade J (64,611 - 71,133 per annum) plus 3,900 car allowance
Location:
Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2QY / Flexible
Contract:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full Time
Hours:
37 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Yes
Closing Date:
31/08/2025 at 23:59
Reference:
GF01/25/319872
Are you a seasoned accounting professional with local government experience? Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Accountant to join our dedicated team and lead the Accountancy Team. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in supporting the financial future of our district, working closely with the s151 officer and Deputy s151 officer.

Key Responsibilities

+ Ensure budget preparation, monitoring, and the preparation of the Council's annual financial statements are completed to specified standards and deadlines. + Provide professional advice to Members and service management on the financial implications of current and proposed service delivery activities. + Support new initiatives with financial modelling, options appraisal, and business planning. + Conduct professional and technical research to ensure financial management activities and reporting align with best practices and legislation. + Assist in the preparation of estimates for the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. + Lead the delivery of the annual financial statement and audit for the council, including HRA, subsidiary companies, and charities. + Manage the Collection Fund and oversee relevant accounting, returns, and pooling arrangements. + Attend corporate leadership team & Council committee meetings to introduce papers and respond to Member queries. + Lead, develop, and motivate accountancy staff, ensuring effective succession planning and training. + Identify and implement continuous improvement and best practice initiatives. + Liaise with external and internal auditors, ensuring timely responses and implementation of recommendations. + Optimise the use of technology in service delivery and identify new investment opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications:

CCAB part-qualified Accountant (professional stage). A management qualification would be desirable, but not essential.

Experience:

At least 4 years of recent and relevant experience within a financial environment, ideally within local government. Extensive experience providing professional advice to senior stakeholders and managing financial reporting, record-keeping, and service development projects.

Skills:

Excellent leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and build strong working relationships at all levels. Proficient in IT, particularly Microsoft Office and financial/ERP systems.

Why Join Us?

Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit.


Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:

Flexible Working:

Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.

Generous Leave:

Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi-time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.

Pension Scheme:

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Family-Friendly Initiatives:

Benefit from a range of family-friendly policies and support.

Health & Wellbeing:

Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.

Additional Perks:

Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.

Closing date for receipt of all completed applications is 11:59pm on 31st August 2025



Interviews will take place on 11th September 2025.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jonathan Smith - Chief Officer, Financial Services (Deputy s151). Email: Jonathan.Smith@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk, Tel: 01303 853780

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How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.


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Further information on this vacancy

* Chief Accountant JDPS