Location
London Borough of Harrow

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£50,691 per annum

About the Role
Are you an experienced technical accountant with a strong understanding of local authority financial accounting, balance sheet management and financial controls? London Borough of Harrow is seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Analyst (Balance Sheet and Controls) to join the Finance Division and play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of the Council’s financial position and strengthening its financial control environment.

Reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will provide specialist technical expertise across a broad range of financial accounting activities, including balance sheet management, collection fund accounting, financial governance, general ledger maintenance and statutory reporting. You will take ownership of balance sheet assets and liabilities of approximately £217 million and oversee collection fund income of approximately £255 million, ensuring robust accounting treatment, compliance with statutory regulations and the delivery of accurate and reliable financial information.

The role will lead on complex balance sheet reconciliations, collection fund forecasting and monitoring, corporate control accounts, chart of accounts governance, support service charge methodologies, statutory returns and group accounting activities. You will be instrumental in identifying financial risks, resolving technical accounting issues, improving financial processes and controls, and supporting the production of the Council’s Statement of Accounts.

Working closely with finance colleagues, service managers, external auditors, consultants and other stakeholders, you will use your technical expertise and analytical skills to drive continuous improvement, strengthen governance arrangements and support the Council’s wider transformation agenda. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys solving complex problems and influencing positive change within a large and diverse local authority environment.

Why join Harrow?
At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.

Experience
- Strong understanding of local authority financial accounting, balance sheet management and financial controls, ideally within local government or a similarly complex public sector environment.
- Extensive experience managing complex balance sheet reconciliations, control accounts, chart of accounts governance, financial control frameworks, and resolving technical accounting issues.
- Experience of collection fund accounting, monitoring and forecasting, including Business Rates Retention arrangements.
- Knowledge of group accounting and consolidation principles.
- Proven ability to investigate financial discrepancies, identify and mitigate risks, implement robust financial controls, and lead process improvements, automation initiatives and system enhancements.

About you
- Technically capable finance professional confident in interpreting statutory accounting requirements and applying sound professional judgement to resolve complex financial issues.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify opportunities to improve processes, strengthen controls and enhance financial reporting.
- Strong communicator able to explain complex financial matters clearly to a range of audiences and build effective relationships across the organisation.
- Collaborative team player who supports the development of colleagues through technical guidance and shared working.
- Committed to continuous improvement and driving excellence in financial management and reporting.

Qualifications
- AAT qualification, part-qualified CCAB qualification (or equivalent), or significant relevant experience.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date technical knowledge.