Close Down Accountant

Service Care Solutions; Scotland; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000

Job description

Job Description

Close Down Accountant
Location: Somerset
Contract: Temporary (6 month initial)
Rate: £500 - £600 Per Day Umbrella
Start date: ASAP
*Fully Remote*
Contact: [e-mail]

Job Description

Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in Somerset for a Close Down Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will be responsible for the strategic planning in the production and approval of the Local Authorities audited statutory Statement of Accounts. The postholder will also be the leading technical advisor for VAT, reporting direct to the S151 on matters. This is a very technical and specialist role which requires extensive and up to date knowledge of the latest regulations and best practice.

Main Responsibilities

1. Lead the Council's closure of accounts process, ensuring timely production of the statutory Statement of Accounts and compliance with the latest accounting standards.
2. Manage interactions with external auditors, respond to information requests, and implement auditor recommendations to improve processes.
3. Provide financial training to staff, offer technical accounting advice, and act as the primary contact for VAT compliance and HMRC matters.
4. Ensure all accounting processes meet statutory obligations and professional best practices and maintain the integrity of the finance system.
5. Lead and develop the Finance teams, promote a culture of continuous improvement, and support the Council's strategic priorities and transformational change programmes.
6. Oversee banking controls, manage the BACs payment system, and support treasury management activities to ensure efficient financial operations.

Candidate Requirements

1. Fully qualified CCAB Accountant and with experience of working in a complex organisation.
2. Extensive knowledge of latest financial accounting standards and highly skilled at interpreting them.
3. Extensive experience and knowledge of VAT, its application, and implications on courses of action.
4. Substantial managerial experience and skills gained at a senior level, including contributing to the corporate management of an organisation where required.
5. Significant knowledge and experience of the development, agreement, and delivery of service plans.
6. Sound understanding and practice of multi-disciplinary working.
7. Demonstrable experience of the effective deployment, continuing development, and supervision of professional and other staff resources.
8. Proven track record of establishing and managing partnerships/external stakeholder relationships.
9. Change management experience at a lead and influence level.