Starting salary £45,834 - £51,837 plus excellent benefits and flexible working  

Merton has an ambition to become London’s best Council and need excellent people to help us get there. This is a key role within the Resources Department and offers an excellent opportunity to make a positive contribution to help us achieve our ambition.

The London Borough of Merton, situated in South West London, covers commercial centres such as Mitcham, Morden and Wimbledon. The population of the borough is over 200,000. The council has a net revenue budget of £164m in 21/22 and employs over 5000 staff. 18% of the borough is open space with over 65 parks including Wimbledon and Mitcham Commons. Merton plays host to one of the world’s most famous sporting events – the Wimbledon fortnight held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Reporting to the Chief Accountant this is a key role within the finance team taking responsibility for providing financial accounting advice, improving processes and closing the accounts. You will be responsible for maintaining the integrity for the chart of accounts and will keep up to date with all changes to accounting standards to ensure compliance. The year end process will be a high priority and as well as planning the closing of accounts you will be the key contact for the external auditors.  You will manage a small team and be responsible for setting their objectives and their ongoing development. 

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ideally CIPFA) and will ideally have had significant experience of working in local government finance. However, consideration will be given to candidates with experience in other public service organisations. You will have a deep understanding of financial accounting processes and will be keen to keep up with accounting standards developments. The ideal candidate will have high standards in terms of your own work and that of your team. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required as are organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload. 

Closing date 18^th January