Chief Accountant (Local Authority)
| Posting date: | 25 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £71.77 to £97.22 per hour |
| Additional salary information: | Pay Rates: PAYE: £71.77 per hour Umbrella/Ltd: £97.22 per hour |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 December 2025 |
| Location: | Bexley, Kent |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 4 days per week |
| Company: | Neway International Ltd |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | OR18145 |
Summary
Neway International are seeking a Chief Accountant – Bexley20 (Interims) to join our client based with London Borough of Bexley.
Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT
Hours per week: 36
Start Date: 16 February 2026
End Date: 26 Weeks (Vacant Post) Pay Rates: PAYE: £71.77 per hour Umbrella/Ltd: £97.22 per hour
About London Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley is committed to delivering high-quality financial services across the Council. This role sits within the Finance & Corporate Services > Finance & Property division, supporting the Finance & Technical Accounting team.
Role: Chief Accountant
We are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the financial accounting function, manage statutory accounts, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders. This is a senior interim role with responsibility for managing a team of up to 10 FTE.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the production of the Council’s single entity and group accounts.
Act as the primary expert on financial accounting regulations, advising the statutory Section 151 Officer.
Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls, ensuring timely reconciliations.
Liaise with external auditors at a senior level.
Manage end-of-year capital and asset accounting processes.
Present financial accounting matters to directors and councillors.
Provide specialist financial accounting advice to budget holders and officers.
Oversee VAT returns and provide corporate VAT advice.
Maintain overarching responsibility for the Balance Sheet.
Lead system improvements in core financial systems and reporting capabilities.
Candidate Requirements
CCAB qualification (essential).
Proven experience in senior financial accounting roles within local government or similar organisations.
Strong knowledge of statutory accounting processes, financial controls, and capital/asset accounting.
Experience managing external audit relationships.
Excellent leadership skills with experience managing teams of up to 10 FTE.
Ability to present complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders.
Strong IT and systems knowledge, with experience in financial system improvements.
Flexibility to attend the office once per week and evening meetings as required.
Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7AT
Hours per week: 36
Start Date: 16 February 2026
End Date: 26 Weeks (Vacant Post) Pay Rates: PAYE: £71.77 per hour Umbrella/Ltd: £97.22 per hour
About London Borough of Bexley
The London Borough of Bexley is committed to delivering high-quality financial services across the Council. This role sits within the Finance & Corporate Services > Finance & Property division, supporting the Finance & Technical Accounting team.
Role: Chief Accountant
We are seeking an experienced Chief Accountant to lead the financial accounting function, manage statutory accounts, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders. This is a senior interim role with responsibility for managing a team of up to 10 FTE.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the production of the Council’s single entity and group accounts.
Act as the primary expert on financial accounting regulations, advising the statutory Section 151 Officer.
Oversee the Council’s system of financial controls, ensuring timely reconciliations.
Liaise with external auditors at a senior level.
Manage end-of-year capital and asset accounting processes.
Present financial accounting matters to directors and councillors.
Provide specialist financial accounting advice to budget holders and officers.
Oversee VAT returns and provide corporate VAT advice.
Maintain overarching responsibility for the Balance Sheet.
Lead system improvements in core financial systems and reporting capabilities.
Candidate Requirements
CCAB qualification (essential).
Proven experience in senior financial accounting roles within local government or similar organisations.
Strong knowledge of statutory accounting processes, financial controls, and capital/asset accounting.
Experience managing external audit relationships.
Excellent leadership skills with experience managing teams of up to 10 FTE.
Ability to present complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders.
Strong IT and systems knowledge, with experience in financial system improvements.
Flexibility to attend the office once per week and evening meetings as required.