Head Accountant

Head Accountant

Location: Devon

Contract: Temporary (6 month initial)

Rate: £400 - £500 Per Day Umbrella (Negotiable)

Start date: ASAP

*Hybrid Working*

Contact:

Job Description

Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Devon for an experienced and strategic Head Accountant. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to provide high-level financial leadership, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive financial services across a wide range of departments. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping financial strategies, managing complex budgets, and driving performance improvements. If you are a qualified accountant with strong leadership capabilities, extensive knowledge of local authority accounting, and a proven track record in managing change, we'd love to hear from you.

Main responsibilities

• Provide high-level financial advice and support to officers and Members, influencing operational and strategic decisions through the analysis of complex financial data.
• Oversee budget preparation, financial monitoring, medium-term financial strategy, and year-end account closures, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial transactions.
• Manage and lead a finance team, ensuring staff are properly trained, meet high standards of financial competence, and support cultural and transformational change initiatives.
• Ensure all financial information, accounts, and budgets are produced accurately, meet corporate deadlines, and comply with financial legislation, regulations, and accounting standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, enhance automation in budgeting and accounts, and develop financial support services for existing and new stakeholders.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified Accountant (e.g., CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA) or equivalent, with in-depth knowledge of all aspects of financial management, including local authority accounting regulations and relevant codes of practice.
• Proven experience in providing strategic financial leadership, managing teams through change, and fostering a culture of performance improvement and positive change management.
• Strong working knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting, Service Reporting Code of Practice, and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS/IGAAP).
• Ability to apply innovative financial solutions, interpret legislation, and influence non-financial stakeholders by clearly explaining complex financial concepts.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with experience in networking, partnership working, and building effective relationships across a range of internal and external stakeholders.

If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Miraj at Service Care Solutions on or email

Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.