Location
Tooley Street, London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£59,526 - £74,040 per annum plus JNC Benefit of £2,724

About the Role
Join Southwark Council, a vibrant and diverse borough at the heart of London, home to iconic venues such as The Shard, The Tate Modern and Borough Market. As the largest local authority social landlord in London, Southwark Council is committed to integrity, innovation, and inclusion. We have consistently received clean audit opinions, including for the financial year 2023-24, reflecting our dedication to financial excellence and strong governance.

As a Senior Finance Manager (Deputy Chief Accountant) within the Financial Reporting and Technical Accounting function, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the council’s financial foundations, ensuring transparency, compliance, and strategic alignment. You will be at the forefront of transformation, supporting the modernisation of systems and processes to deliver smarter, faster, and more accurate financial management.

You will lead a sub-team within Corporate Finance responsible for key technical and statutory functions including delivery of the Statement of Accounts and key statutory returns, managing day-to-day liaison with external auditors and regulatory bodies, providing VAT, tax, and technical accounting advice, and overseeing Collection Fund accounting. You will advise Senior Management, Cabinet Members, and Committees on financial policy, compliance, and reporting, drive continuous improvement across financial systems and controls, and lead and develop your finance team fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Enjoy flexible working and grow in a culture that values integrity, inclusion, and professional development while driving innovation through major initiatives like ERP modernisation.

Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent) with strong leadership experience in a complex environment.
- Deep technical accounting expertise including statutory reporting and financial control.
- Proven ability to manage statutory functions and liaise with external auditors and regulatory bodies.
- Experience in providing VAT, tax, and technical accounting advice.
- Track record of driving continuous improvement in financial systems and controls.

About you
- Exceptional analytical, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with confidence to challenge, innovate, and inspire change.
- Collaborative leader who can empower and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Commitment to integrity, inclusion, and professional development.
- Passionate about making a positive impact in a diverse and dynamic local government environment.

Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent) is essential.