Middlesbrough, at the heart of the Tees Valley, is a great place to live and work.  With an ambitious strategic plan, the Council aims to regenerate the borough and town centre through innovative capital investment projects that will transform the services it provides and improve the quality of life of its residents.  This is truly an exciting time to be joining the Council with significant investment, jobs and businesses coming into the area.

We are looking for a senior accountant with significant experience and knowledge to join our finance function as Chief Accountant.  Reporting to the Head of Finance and Investment, and having close links with the Director of Finance, you will lead the technical accounting and financial control side of the Council’s finance agenda over the coming years.  You will also work closely with the Council’s finance business partners on the budgeting for and monitoring of the revenue budget and investment strategy and lead on the use and development of the finance system.

The key responsibilities of this post are as follows:

To provide an appropriate level of service that meets the needs of the Section 151 Officer and to deputise for the Head of Finance and Investment as required

To lead and supervise the work of the central finance team, including staff management, undertaking appraisals, giving feedback on staff performance and implementing suitable training and development plans

Ensuring the integrity and development of the Council’s financial systems and processes so that these are fit for purpose for effective decision making and good quality financial management

Planning, preparation and delivery of the annual statement of accounts that complies with regulation, best practice and the requirements of our external auditors

Leading on the technical accounting agenda to ensure that the Council’s accounts and government returns are in line with statute, the CIPFA Code of Practice on local authority accounting and relevant accounting standards

Managing the Council’s banking and treasury management arrangements so that these support the activities of the Council and minimise risk at all times

Providing financial advice, support and training to senior officers and elected members in a timely and effective manner

Liaising with peers and colleagues at other Councils, both locally and nationally, to ensure best practice and consistency in delivering services

To be suitable for the role you need to be fully qualified with strong leadership skills and the ability to develop influential relationships at a senior level.  The successful candidate will have an advanced technical skillset and substantial experience managing complex financial systems and procedures.

Previous experience within a local authority setting is ideal, but applications from those in the wider public sector will be considered.  For an informal discussion on this post, please contact Justin Weston, Head of Finance and Investment on (01642) 729582.

Closing date: Monday 21st June by 12 midnight