Chief Accountant
£78,849 - £86,769 per annum
Pay Grade: MG4
Directorate: Managing Director
Division: Finance
Reports to: Assistant Director of Finance (Deputy S151 Officer)
Location: Harrow Council Hub
Role Purpose
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To lead on all financial matters relating to the provision of accountancy which includes the closedown of the Council’s accounts and the production of the Council’s Statement of Accounts including reviewing processes and timescales to enable deadlines to be met. To be responsible for ensuring the Council is following the latest guidance, audit requirements and best practices for financial reporting and ensure full compliance with the relevant Accounting code and statutory reporting requirements. To be the key contact for the external auditors.
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To lead a team responsible for the production of the Statement of Accounts, incorporating the upkeep and on going development of the Council’s Asset Register, accounting for the Collection Fund and implications for Business Rate Retention and overseeing the provision of VAT/Tax advice to the Council and completion of all Statutory returns to HMRC.
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To lead the provision of technical guidance, both internal to and external to Finance and develop effective relationships with appropriate national bodies and other local authorities, to inform and enhance the quality of the work of the Technical Finance team.
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To lead on the Commercial reporting requirements for the Council in respect of any separate Harrow Companies, including consideration of consolidation issues for Company Accounts into Harrow's Statement of Accounts.
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To lead and/or participate in improvement projects or matrix management projects as directed, as part of the Division’s transformation and improvement agenda, particular improvement projects that help achieve a timelier, more automated year-end closure process and those that implement improvements identified in either the External or Internal auditors’ reports.
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To contribute to the development and maintenance of Corporate Financial Policies, Strategies, Systems and Practices and to manage the development and continuous improvement of the Finance Team to incorporate best practice.
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The post holder has responsibility for managing all external contracts related to the production of the Statement of Accountants, such as the contract with our External Auditors, and will act as the lead officer providing advice and support to all relevant internal committees, namely Cabinet and the GARMS Committee.
Job Context
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The post holder will provide a key role within the organisation and act as lead on the production of the Council’s Statutory requirement to complete Statement of Accounts.
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The post holder will be responsible for managing a team of 5 FTE and has a significant influencing and reporting role in relation to the Council’s overall revenue budget of £749m (gross) and £173m (net) and capital budget of £322m (2025/26), as well as the Pension Fund £1058m (2023/24 Actual) and Collection Fund £239m (2023/24 Actual).
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Key to the role will be working with a variety of stakeholders including Strategic Directors, Divisional Directors, Service Managers, the Council’s external auditors, and other staff within the Finance Division, particularly the Finance Business Partners, the Assistant Director of Finance, the Strategic Director of Finance and in addition all Council Members but with close liaison with including the Portfolio holder with responsibility for Finance. The post holder will be required to translate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
Main Duties / Responsibilities
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To lead the Technical Finance team, reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance (Deputy S151).
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To lead on and manage the delivery of the day-to-day requirements for producing the Statement of Accounts, following the latest guidance, audit requirements and best practices.
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To lead and be responsible for the production of the closure of accounts timetable ensuring there is adequate time and processes for its delivery
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To lead on the Commercial reporting requirements for the Council in respect of any separate Harrow Companies including consideration of consolidation issues for Company Accounts.
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To quality assure working papers produced by the team and other officers within Finance Division.
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To lead on and be responsible for the day-to-day liaison with the Council’s external auditors.
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To monitor, produce guidance notes and implement any changes in statutory reporting requirements for the Statement of Accounts. To organise Learning & Development workshops for other colleagues in the Finance Division on any key changes.
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To lead, manage and take responsibility for the accurate and timely completion of relevant CIPFA, Government and ad-hoc capital based financial returns and grant claims (though many of these may be completed elsewhere), e.g. CPR, COR etc.
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To lead, manage and take responsibility for the quality and integrity of the data within the Council’s Asset Register (including Leases) and how this is reflected in the Council’s year-end financial statements.
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To manage a continuous programme of activity for the maintenance of financial records and the regular undertaking of financial reconciliations (including Bank reconciliations, the clearance of suspense items, petty cash reconciliations, payroll reconciliations etc) that will help achieve a quicker year-end closure and safeguard the Council’s financial assets
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To maintain and report on which systems / processes / users are generating the most errors on the General Ledger.
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To identify training needs / support requirements to help ensure financial data is correct at first point of entry into the General Ledger.
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To support the Assistant Director of Finance to review existing financial processes or proposed changes to processes that impact on the general ledger so as to ensure ‘right first time’ data entry and a tight financial control environment.
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To lead on the provision of VAT/Tax advice to the Council and the completion of returns to HMRC.
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To lead on the management of all balance sheet codes on a timely basis including provisions.
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To oversee Collection Fund accounting and implications for Business Rate Retention
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To oversee the production of Support Service Charters each year.
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To oversee the production of consolidated management on the Council’s debtors position on a monthly basis.
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To lead and/or participate in improvement projects or matrix management projects as directed, as part of the Division’s transformation and improvement agenda, particular improvement projects that help achieve a timelier, more automated year-end closure process and those that implement improvements identified in either the External or Internal auditors’ reports.
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Any other duties commensurate with the general level of the post.
Generic Duties
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Implement and champion, through service and staff development, the Council’s Health and Safety, Equal Opportunity and Information Security Policies.
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Promote and ensure participation in the Council’s annual appraisal process and training and development initiatives, information governance initiatives and information management best practice.
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To ensure that the post holder complies with their responsibilities as laid out in the council’s health and safety policy and takes an active role in promoting a positive health and safety culture.
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To support the operation and general elections when requested by the returning officer.
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To motivate, train, develop and performance manage staff to maintain an effective workforce capable of meeting its objectives.
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To manage the team so that the services provided are responsive to customer requirements, accessible to all areas of the community and provide value for money
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To develop the structures, systems and policies necessary to support effective service delivery.
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To formulate annual operational plans and budgets for the function or team so that there are clear priorities and appropriate resources are allocated to their achievement.
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To resolve the most complex and high-level operational issues so that they are resolved effectively, and precedents are set for the resolution of similar issues.
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To contribute to longer term (2-3 years) plans for the services managed so that they are developed in line with Council and Government priorities and customer requirements.
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To ensure services link effectively with related service provision, within or external to the Council, so that coherent and value for money services are provided. Where appropriate, and in conjunction with other service providers, to undertake joint planning of service delivery and/or for the closer integration of service provision.
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To manage the teams and services provided in a way that promotes the Council’s approach to diversity.
Selection Criteria
Key: Essential (E), Desirable (D)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Role requirements
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Knowledge and understanding of financial accounting within Local Authorities and the financial & legislative framework including SeRCOP, IFRS, and Prudential Code. (E)
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Knowledge of financial governance within Local Authorities. (E)
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Knowledge of VAT and taxation as they affect local authorities would be desirable. (D)
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Knowledge of Collection Fund accounting. (D)
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Must have a clear understanding of the diverse nature of Harrow’s communities and Harrow’s workforce, and the implications for service delivery. (D)
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Experience in the development of Financial Processes. (E)
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Experience of managing a team. (E)
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Experience of writing and presenting Committee reports. (E)
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Demonstrable experience of managing or undertaking, at a high level, the key duties/accountabilities related to this post. (E)
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Experience of working as a senior Finance Professional in a large and complex organisation ideally with some public sector experience. (E)
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Demonstrable experience of employing continuous improvement techniques to improve financial management. (D)
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Strong technical financial accounting skills and have the ability to communicate these to non-technical audiences. (E)
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Strong financial and analytical skills. (E)
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Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with Members and senior management. (E)
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Ability to understand and interpret government and professional guidance, consultation papers and legislation and to develop processes and procedures for its implementation. (E)
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Ability to apply innovative and creative thinking to complex financial issues. (E)
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Advanced ability to extract and manipulate relevant financial data from the core financial information system. (D)
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Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel at Vlookup, pivot tables). (D)
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Good organisational and time management skills and the ability to plan and deliver objectives within an agreed timeframe. (E)
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Longer hours during peak work times. (E)
Qualifications
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CCAB qualified accountant. (E)
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Evidence of continuing professional development. (E)
Other Requirements
The job involves travel for business purposes: No, Harrow Council Hub is the main office
Management Competencies:
These competencies are relevant to all roles with responsibility for managing staff.
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Resident Focus
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Works in partnership
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Political understanding
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Managing Performance and Delivering Results
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Communicating with Impact
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Financial Grip and Business Focus
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Data-Driven Decision Making
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Nurturing Talent and Building Careers
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Corporate Awareness
