Senior Financial Accountant

Permanent

Full Time, 37 hours per week

£65,058 to £76,538 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 4th May 2026

The Opportunity

As a Senior Financial Accountant, you will be part of a team of expert financial accountants who are collectively responsible for statutory financial reporting, effective treasury management and tax advice. Reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will provide authoritative technical leadership to a team of high performing, customer facing finance professionals, to underpin effective decision making, promote compliance with best professional practice and to ensure the highest standards of financial governance are achieved.

You will be a trusted expert and advisor, translating complex accounting standards, CIPFA codes of practice and government regulations into clear, practical solutions that support sound decision‑making across the organisation. By leading key elements of the annual Statement of Accounts and wider financial closure activity, you will ensure the Council consistently meets statutory deadlines while maintaining the highest professional standards.

You will operate at a strategic level, building strong relationships with internal and external partners and will be a key and active member of senior manager forums.

Specifically, the purpose of the role is to:

Specialise in, and lead on, aspects of the Council’s statutory financial accounting and reporting requirements (including the Statement of Accounts), its Treasury Management function or other regulatory requirements such as those related to UK duties and taxes, to ensure that the required standards and statutory deadlines are met.
Support the establishment and maintenance of a framework of accounting policies and internal financial controls which ensure that the Council complies with statutory regulations, Codes of Practice and professional best practice, and to provide practical advice and interpretation consistent with these policies and controls to ensure the highest standards of financial governance in all of the Council’s decision making and operations.
Ensure that officers are provided with high quality strategic advice and direction on financial strategies, projects and other initiatives.
Lead on any project or programme as agreed by the Chief Accountant.

To read more about us please visit: Corporate Services

Knowledge, skills and experience

Full CCAB qualification.
Minimum 2 years post qualification experience.
Knowledge and understanding of government regulations (including those related to taxes and duties), Codes of Practice and underlying accounting standards, and practical experience of applying these in a large organisation - preferably public sector.
Analysing, interpreting, communicating and effectively implementing changes to accounting practice and/or taxation rules and regulations.
Engaging with and providing high quality technical accounting and taxation advice and support to finance professionals, and non-finance managers.
Identifying and acting on opportunities for improving financial systems, internal controls and/or processes.
Evaluating and advising on the accounting, taxation and financing implications of innovative alternatives to the delivery of large-scale services.
Financial planning and management in a large, complex, customer focussed organisation.
Inspiring and motivating staff and colleagues, setting targets and goals for the delivery of services.
Working within and influencing multi-disciplinary teams to achieve service outcomes.
Ability to establish credibility with other finance professionals, directors, senior management teams, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
Strong delivery/performance focus.
Ability to contribute effectively in a large complex organisation with plans for radical change and improvement.
Ability to build effective working relationships with finance colleagues, the Council’s external auditor and other key stakeholders; includes commissioning of work and quality assurance of outputs.
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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