Deputy Chief Accountant
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £50,269 to £53,460 per month |
| Additional salary information: | Competitive |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 February 2026 |
| Location: | Oxford, OX1 1ND |
| Company: | Oxfordshire County Council |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | OCC/TP/11282/1723 |
Summary
About Us
Oxfordshire County Council iscommittedto leading positive change and making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county.We work in partnership with local communities, public sector organisations, and businesses to deliver high-quality services thatsupportthe wellbeing and prosperity of our residents.Our vision is underpinned by a set of clear priorities, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services.
Oxfordshire is proud of its diverse communities.We are dedicated to promoting equality,supportingvulnerable people, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.Our teams are passionate about innovation,collaboration, and making a real difference for the people who live and work here.
Join us and be part of an organisation that values learning, kindness, integrity, and thecourageto do things differently.
About the Role
As Deputy Chief Accountant, you willsupportthe Chief Accountant in maintaining and improving the council’s financial accounting systems and ensuring accurate, timely statutory reporting.You will coordinate the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts, manage the final accounts timetable, and liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver information to strict deadlines.
You will oversee the management of fixed asset reporting, capital balance sheet accounts, and ensure compliance with legislative and professional requirements. The role includes preparing capital accounting elements for final accounts, completing government returns, and working closely with external auditors. You will also maintain oversight of revenue hierarchies, support the development of finance policies and procedures, and manage a small team of Assistant Accountants.
This is a flexible role, offering the opportunity to work across various locations in Oxfordshire in line with the council’s agile working policy. You will play a key part in ensuring the council’s financial integrity and supporting high-quality public service delivery.
About you
You are a CCAB qualified accountant with experience in planning and producing accounts for large, complex organisations within a statutory framework.You have a goodunderstandingof financial policy, practices, and legislation, and possess excellent knowledge of capital accounting regulations.
You are confident working with external auditors and have strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate, and build productive relationships at all levels. Your credibility enables you to work effectively in a political environment and engage with senior managers, colleagues, and partners.
You are organised, proactive, and able to coordinate and deliver to tight deadlines.You are comfortable managing andsupportinga team, and you thrive in a flexible, agile working environment.
Rewards and benefits
At OCC, you'll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do, but also about how we do it. We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.
- Hybrid working -typically 3-4 days per month in our Oxford office for teamcollaboration, with flexibility to suit your role and lifestyle
- Culture of flexible working
- Great learning and developmentopportunities tosupportyour growth
- Technology tosupportagile working
- Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support
- Generous annual leave -Up to 33 days plus bank holidays, and an option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Local Government Pension Scheme- with employer contributions up to 19.9%
- Discounts - local and national offers for shopping and travel
Ourcommitmentto:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.
Ourcommitmentto:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Ourcommitmentto:
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Ourcommitmentto:
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
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Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early application is therefore encouraged.
If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact me at: verity.royle@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme