Job Description

Lead Accountant Role Profile



We're looking for a motivated and ambitious Lead Accountant to join our team and play a vital role in managing the Council's financial resources and supporting key decisions that shape the future of our city.



In this role, you'll provide expert financial advice and insight to services across the Council. You'll help lead the delivery of accurate financial reports and contribute to the preparation of management accounts, statutory returns, and strategic plans. You'll also oversee a small team, helping to prioritise work, support development, and ensure we meet important deadlines.



This is a great opportunity to influence how we work, support high-profile projects, and contribute to innovative, long-term financial planning.

What you'll be doing:

Producing and presenting clear, accurate financial reports (revenue, capital, and reserves) to Committees and senior leaders Supporting the production of our annual statement of accounts in line with required standards Providing training and advice to colleagues and service managers Helping the Council manage financial risk and use resources effectively Leading on workload planning and resource prioritisation across your team Spotting financial issues and opportunities early, and supporting action Contributing to the development of financial systems and smarter ways of working

What makes this role exciting?

You'll be working on some of the biggest and most exciting projects Plymouth has ever seen. As a city with ambition, Plymouth has bold plans around regeneration, infrastructure, housing, and sustainability. From major capital investments to transformative service reviews, your work will directly support change that benefits residents, businesses, and communities.

Why Plymouth?

Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city with a strong sense of community and a bold vision for the future. Set between the sea and Dartmoor National Park, it offers an incredible quality of life, whether you enjoy culture, coastlines, or countryside. As one of the South West's fastest-growing cities, it's a brilliant place to build your career, get involved in meaningful projects, and make a difference.

What we're looking for:

Part-qualified CCAB accountant (or equivalent), or fully qualified AAT with strong local government finance experience A commitment to achieving full CCAB qualification within five years Good understanding of local government finance, including statutory accounting and budget management Experience planning and managing your own work and leading a team Excellent communication skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset VAT experience would be an advantage

Why join us?

We'll support your continued professional development and give you space to grow. Whether you're working toward full qualification, building your leadership skills, or getting stuck into major projects, this is a role where you can make your mark. You'll join a friendly, collaborative finance team that's focused on delivering great outcomes for Plymouth.



We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.



For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Carolyn Haynes on Carolyn.haynes@plymouth.gov.uk



Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.


As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Closing Date: Sunday 29 June 2025