Your new company

Hays are delighted to be working exclusively once again with Clackmannanshire Council to recruit a Chief Accountant, offering a unique opportunity to join a forward-thinking local authority at a senior level. Based at Kilncraigs with hybrid working options, this role sits within the Finance and Revenues Service and plays a critical part in supporting the effective administration of the Council’s financial affairs.

Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic and operational leadership of finance services, helping to ensure they remain fit for purpose, innovative, and aligned to the Council’s long-term objectives.

Your new role

As Chief Accountant and Deputy (Section 95 Officer), you will operate as a senior member of the extended Management Team, providing leadership, direction, and oversight across the accountancy function. You will support and deputise for the Chief Finance Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities, including those aligned to the Section 95 role, and will play a central part in ensuring the Council’s financial governance and controls are robust and effective.
You will take responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the Council’s budget strategy, managing the annual budget-setting process, and ensuring the organisation maintains a balanced financial position. The role will also involve overseeing the preparation of statutory financial statements and working closely with external auditors during the annual audit process. In addition, you will ensure strong financial management practices are embedded through effective monitoring, reporting, and control of revenue and capital budgets.

In this position, you will lead and develop high-performing finance teams, provide strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members, and contribute to key areas such as treasury management, governance, and financial strategy. You will also support major projects, business cases, and investment decisions, ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering best value for the organisation. A strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and service transformation will be central to your approach.

What you'll need to succeed

To succeed in this role, you will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with significant experience operating at a senior managerial level within a financial environment. You will bring strong technical accounting expertise, including the preparation of statutory financial statements, alongside a proven track record of developing strategic financial plans and managing complex revenue and capital budgets.
You will demonstrate strong leadership capability with experience of managing and developing teams, as well as excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to build credibility with senior stakeholders and provide effective financial advice. A sound understanding of governance, financial controls, and regulatory frameworks is essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines within a complex and demanding environment.

Experience within the public sector, including knowledge of local government finance or working within a political environment, would be advantageous, as would exposure to treasury management and organisational transformation initiatives.

What you'll get in return

In return, you will secure a high-profile senior leadership role with the opportunity to shape the financial direction of a significant public sector organisation. You will play a key part in strategic decision-making across the organisation while working within a collaborative and supportive senior leadership team. The role offers the chance to drive meaningful change, influence financial strategy, and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of finance services, all within a flexible working environment that supports hybrid arrangements.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.