Job Opportunity! – Interim Chief Accountant – North East of England
A local government client of mine in the North East of England are currently on the lookout for a Chief Accountant to join their team on an interim basis.
Contract Duration: 7 Months +
Rate: £500 - £650 per day (depending on experience)
Hybrid: X1 day per week in office preference (may consider remote).
Start Date: Mid to Late January.
Kay Responsibilities:
* Prepare YearEnd Accounts: Take ownership of producing accurate financial statements and supporting schedules in line with CIPFA and statutory requirements.
* Handle Audit Queries: Respond directly to auditor requests, providing detailed reconciliations, working papers, and evidence as needed.
* Balance Sheet & Ledger Reconciliations: Complete complex reconciliations for key accounts, ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies promptly.
* Technical Accounting Support: Apply indepth knowledge of local authority accounting standards to resolve issues and ensure compliance throughout the close-down process.
* Work Closely with Finance Team: Collaborate with existing staff to gather data and documentation, ensuring timely completion of tasks without formal line management responsibilities.
Candidates Must:
* Be a fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) with strong technical knowledge of UK local authority accounting standards.
* Have a proven track record of preparing yearend accounts for a UK council or similar public sector body, including compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice.
* Have handson experience in responding to external audit queries, preparing working papers, and completing complex reconciliations during year-end close.
If you match the above criteria and are interested then please don't hesitate to reach out and send me your CV to or call me on (phone number removed)