Head Accountant

We are working with a Devon County Council who are looking for Head Accountant to provide strategic advice and to ensure the provision of comprehensive financial services across a wide range of disparate services.

This will include the analysis of complex financial information; financial monitoring, planning and budgeting; financial advice on operational and strategic plans and their impact; closure of the financial accounts; and the implementation, review and improvement of financial processes. 

Location: Devon County Council 

Set-up: Hybrid – 2-days per week on-site

Rate: £310/day, via umbrellla inside IR35 (potentially flexible)

Duration: Initially6-months  

Hours: Full-time position

Responsibilities include:

• To ensure all financial information, accounts and budgets are produced and reported accurately and consistently, and comply with all financial legislation, regulations and standards set by the County Treasurer.
• To be responsible for the Service Area’s accounting processes such as budget estimate preparation, input into the medium-term financial strategy
• Ensure that budget details are produced in line with targets established by cabinet, as communicated by Corporate Finance and passed on to Chief Officers and Heads of Service
• To provide financial services to specific business areas. Key to this area will be the ability to apply judgement from experience and professional knowledge to draw conclusions, influence Heads of Service, in the resolution of conflicting issues and budgetary demands
• Improve and enhance the efficiency of an automated budget preparation, monitoring and accounts close down procedures.  Continually assess current practice within Finance to anticipate and adapt to the future requirements of the organisation

Requirements:

• Local Government experience required for initial shortlisting, then thereafter at the client’s discretion
• Qualified Accountant, e.g. CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or other equivalent qualifications/experience. 
• Depth of knowledge in all aspects of financial management 
• The ability to demonstrate and apply innovative solutions to improve working practices, service delivery, to drive through efficiency savings and respond positively to changing circumstances

At Venn Group, we endeavour to respond to all applications However due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 48 hours please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion