Job type
PermanentLocation
United KingdomWorking Pattern
Flexible Working,Part-time,Specialism
Audit Risk And ComplianceIndustry
Government & Public ServicesPay
£48,690 - £55,000
Senior Accountant – Technical
Technical and Capital Senior Accountant (Service Focused)
Uttlesford District Council –
Local Government Pension Scheme + Flexible Hybrid Working
Local Government Pension Scheme + Flexible Hybrid Working
Hays are delighted to be exclusively supporting Uttlesford District Council in the recruitment of a Senior Accountant – Technical & Capital.
About Uttlesford District Council
Located in the picturesque market town of Saffron Walden, Uttlesford District Council serves a vibrant rural community across Essex. The Council delivers key services including housing, planning, waste and community development, alongside an ambitious capital programme supporting growth and sustainability.
About the Role
This is a pivotal senior finance role that combines technical accounting expertise, capital programme oversight, and strong service-facing business partnering, alongside the management of a small team.
You will play a key role in ensuring robust financial governance while working closely with services to provide meaningful financial insight, challenge, and support across both revenue and capital activity.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Statutory Accounting
- Lead on the preparation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts, ensuring compliance with the CIPFA Code and IFRS
- Act as the lead on technical accounting matters including assets, pensions, and complex accounting treatments
- Manage year-end processes and coordinate the external audit
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and strengthen financial governance
Capital & Financial Management
- Oversee the Council’s capital programme, ensuring effective monitoring, forecasting, and reporting
- Maintain the fixed asset register and ensure accurate capital accounting
- Support services with capital bids, business cases, and investment decisions
- Advise on capital financing options including borrowing, grants, and capital receipts
Service-Focused Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted finance partner for services, providing support, challenge, and insight
- Lead on budget setting and in-year monitoring, working closely with service managers
- Translate financial data into clear and practical advice to support decision-making
- Build strong relationships across the organisation to embed finance within service delivery
Leadership & Team Management
- Manage, support, and develop a team of 4 finance staff
- Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and performance oversight
- Drive continuous improvement across processes, reporting, and ways of working
Strategic Contribution
- Contribute to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and long-term planning
- Support the development of financial policies and procedures
- Represent Finance across corporate projects, working groups, and transformation activities.
What We’re Looking For
- CCAB qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in technical accounting and capital finance within local government
- Proven ability to work closely with services and influence stakeholders
- Experience managing or supervising staff
- Strong communication, analytical, and organisational skills
What’s on Offer
- Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- Flexible hybrid working with minimal office presence required
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
Apply / Contact
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Lucy West – Senior Business Director, Hays Public Sector Finance
If you want, I can also tailor this into a shorter LinkedIn/job board version or make it more candidate-attractive/less formal