Group Accountant (Revenue and Corporate Financial Management)

From day-to-day financial management, involvement in major investment projects, through to future financial planning, our financial services team plays a critical role in helping us to deliver vital services to our residents and businesses. 

The role of Group Accountant is perfect for those who are looking to continue their journey to a senior career in local government working at an ambitious and forward-looking local council. We are seeking someone who has the drive and ambition to learn new skills and build a stronger team for the future. The ideal candidate will have excellent technical accountancy skills, and a proven track record of managing staff. 

The Group Accountant will be responsible for directing and supporting a wide range of accountancy work. 

Key responsibilities

• Leadership and management of a team 
• Coordination and preparation of the Council’s annual budget
• Providing financial management advice and information, technical guidance and high-quality support to officers and council members
• Budgetary control and Financial Health Checks of council services
• Collection Fund Accounting and forecasts for Council Tax and Business Rates
• Overseeing the management of the Council’s Income and Payments Service including cashiering services
• System control reconciliations and completion of statutory returns
• Development and maintenance of the financial ledger system 

If you have strong leadership and analytical skills, are CCAB qualified or an exceptional candidate actively studying towards qualification, are an excellent communicator, and are a team player, we would love to hear from you.

You will need to demonstrate experience of working at a senior level in a relevant accountancy environment and a good knowledge of working with an integrated Financial Management System. 

So, if you enjoy working with people; have a passion for finding solutions; and want to make a positive difference to people’s lives, then please get in touch.

You will be expected to demonstrate in your supporting statement how you meet the key accountabilities and competencies detailed within the recruitment pack.

About us

Chichester District Council delivers over 80 services to the residents and businesses within the Chichester District, including waste and recycling; planning; environmental health; and housing.  

Our picturesque district covers an area of over 300 square miles within West Sussex. It borders both Hampshire and Sussex with two thirds of it situated in the South Downs National Park. 

From its historic city and towns, through to its spacious parks and stunning coastline and countryside, it is one of the most attractive places to live and work in the UK.

The district features the award-winning West Wittering beach, as well as the internationally recognised Chichester Harbour – which is an Area of Outstanding Beauty – plus the Pagham Harbour and Medmerry nature reserves. 

It also home to the internationally renowned Chichester Festival, the acclaimed Pallant House Gallery, the award-winning Novium Museum, Chichester Cathedral, Goodwood and many other local historic and cultural attractions. 

The council’s headquarters are located in the historic cathedral city of Chichester. Surrounded by a stretch of Roman city walls, you will find streets lined with medieval buildings and elegant Georgian houses, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. The city’s four main streets – North, South, East and West – meet at the Market Cross and boast an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes.  

Chichester District Council has a commitment to equality of opportunity in employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form, please contact the HR Section who will assist you.

For an informal discussion about this position, please contact:  David Cooper 01243 785166 or dcooper@chichester.gov.uk

Employee benefits include:

• Excellent defined benefits Pension Scheme
• Minimum 26 days holiday going up to 31 days after 5 years (or before with previous service) plus paid Bank Holidays
• Flexi-time (available for most positions) - potential to build up an extra 12 days leave a year
• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and 9-day fortnight options
• Employee Assistance Programme for staff and their relatives
• Cycle to Work Scheme/Car and Cycle Loan Scheme/discounted city centre parking/ Lease Car Scheme
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives including free health checks and free eye tests plus subsidised leisure centre membership
• Payment of your main professional subscription fee.
• Training and development opportunities – including funding of professional qualification training
• Staff Awards Scheme

Chichester District Council has a commitment to Equality of Opportunity in Employment. If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to complete our application form please contact the HR Section who will assist you.