Lead Accountant

Lead Accountant

Location: Walsall (West Midlands) (Hybrid: 2-3 days in the office during training, 1-2 days post-training)

Contract: 6-12 months

Salary: £220 per day (Inside IR35)

Are you an experienced public sector finance professional looking for a leadership role? We are recruiting for a Lead Accountant to join our team on a temporary contract, providing proactive financial support to our directorates and leading a team of skilled finance professionals. You will be a member of CCAB/CIMA body and undertaking active CPD, or actively studying for a CCAB/CIMA qualification.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Finance, you will manage a team of Finance Business Partners, Accountancy Officers, and apprentices, delivering first-class, value-for-money financial services. You will:

• Support budgeting processes and resource planning
• Deliver high-quality financial information to senior management
• Present financial information at public meetings, Scrutiny panels, and regional projects
• Deputise for the Deputy Head of Finance as required
• Lead in the production and monitoring of written procedures for team roles
• Play a key role in service improvement, change management, and transformation programs
• Ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities, Financial Contract Rules, and Code of Conduct policies

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership: Lead the finance team, ensuring proactive support to directorates, managing financial risks, and advising senior management.
• Strategic Insight: Assess new legislation and guidelines, producing briefing notes and reports for senior leaders.
• Decision-Making: Provide financial appraisal and cost-benefit analysis for business proposals.
• Managing Resources: Liaise with Executive Directors and service managers to provide reliable financial support across service areas (ASC, Regeneration, CYP, etc.).
• Performance Management: Ensure performance targets are met, staff cover is maintained, and quality financial services are provided.
• Out of hours work: Occasional working outside normal hours eg: meeting attendance, training, workloads etc…

The Ideal Candidate:

• Proven experience in public sector finance
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing finance teams
• Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and providing strategic financial advice
• Ability to communicate financial information to a wide range of stakeholders
• Experience with financial regulations and performance management

What We Offer:

• Competitive daily rate of £220 (Inside IR35)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility
• An opportunity to lead and influence key financial decisions within the public sector

Please apply for more details.

Deerfoot IT Resources Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.