Location
Leeds St, London N18

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£82,851 per annum

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated accounting professional to join our Corporate Finance team as a Senior Financial Accountant. This is a key role responsible for ensuring the Council's financial accounts are prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice, statutory requirements and applicable accounting standards. You will be the Council's lead technical accounting expert, providing specialist advice on complex financial accounting matters, financial controls, VAT and taxation issues.

You will lead the production of the Council's Statement of Accounts, Group Accounts and Whole of Government Accounts, whilst managing the relationship with external auditors to ensure successful and timely completion of annual audits. You will also oversee the Council's balance sheet management framework, ensuring key reconciliations and financial controls are maintained to the highest standard.

The role includes direct management responsibility for the VAT and Technical Accountant team and provides an opportunity to influence continuous improvement across financial processes, systems and controls.

The role will report to the Chief Accountant and will support a range of areas within the Corporate Accountancy team including:
- Leading the preparation and delivery of the Council's Statement of Accounts and Group Accounts
- Managing the annual external audit process and maintaining strong relationships with auditors
- Providing expert advice on financial accounting regulations, statutory reporting and technical accounting matters
- Ensuring robust balance sheet monitoring, reconciliations and financial controls are in place
- Managing VAT and taxation matters (excluding employment taxation), including liaison with HMRC
- Maintaining and developing high-quality audit working papers and year-end procedures
- Supporting service improvement, automation and enhanced financial controls across the Council
- Training and developing finance colleagues on technical accounting and closedown requirements
- Deputising for the Chief Accountant when required

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and a sound understanding of the Council’s technical accounting processes and procedures, leading to effective financial controls and the production of the Statement of Accounts. It is ideal for an ambitious individual who enjoys challenges, is self-motivated and wants to use their financial skills to add value.

We are passionate about our people and how we deliver services to our community in Enfield. We encourage a culture that puts our customers at the heart of everything we do by empowering our people to work together to find solutions, be open, honest and respectful, take responsibility and listen and learn. Flexible working arrangements are supported.

Experience
Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with strong experience in the closure of accounts and audit within Local Government. Proven technical accounting skills and experience managing VAT and taxation matters. Strong Excel and analytical skills are essential. Experience in managing external audit processes and maintaining effective financial controls.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to effectively liaise with staff at all levels within the Council and external organisations.

About you
An ambitious, self-motivated professional who enjoys challenges and is keen to add value through technical expertise and continuous improvement. You should be able to lead and develop a team, work collaboratively, and demonstrate a strong commitment to high standards of financial management and customer service.

Qualifications
Fully qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant.