About Us

The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who are working together within a shared staffing structure across both boroughs. We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious individual to take on the role of Chief Accountant to continue to provide the accurate and stable financial position we are relying on. 

About the role   

As Chief Accountant, you will be responsible for the overall management of up to 40 staff and various functions within the Accountancy section of the Financial Management Division. You will ensure that the annual statement of accounts for both boroughs are produced in a timely and efficient manner and take the lead in the relationship with the external auditors. You will be proactive in ensuring that the Accountancy Team provides an effective service of the highest quality with regards to developing accounting policies, keeping accurate accounting records and also development of the capital programme, mindful of affordability and legislative guidance.  You will be responsible for Treasury Management with a combined investment portfolio of nearly £1bn and provide advice and guidance to senior officers and Members around the Treasury management strategic direction as the councils embark on significant financial investment to deliver redevelopment opportunities for our residents.  

In addition, you’ll bring excellent skills to provide strong contract management of the Transactional Services contract managed by Capita.  This will include leading on new developments and upgrades to the financial systems as well as ensuring that the accounts payable and receivable functions are being performed to the highest standards. Reporting to the Assistant Director, the role sits alongside a team of Financial Controllers who deliver the management accounting support to deliver the best for our two boroughs. 

You’ll need:

To have relevant financial experience of producing the statutory accounts within the public sector and have detailed understanding and knowledge of local government finance and accounting regulations.  You’ll also hold a recognised CCAB Accountancy Qualification or equivalent.

Agile Working

Our offices are in the Grade II listed building of Wandsworth Town Hall which is centrally located in the heart of vibrant Wandsworth Town. The offices are a 10-minute bus journey from Clapham Junction, or under a 10 minute walk to Wandsworth Town Station where direct trains are 15 minutes to London Waterloo. The Financial Management Service is currently working between home locations and the office.   

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders, and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements helps you with this, feel free to let us know.  

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!   

Benefits 

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home, compressed or part-time hours, term time only, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 40 paid days (pro rata) including bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.   

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.  

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:  

Closing Date:  10^th September 2023*

Shortlisting Date: W/C 11^th September 2023

Interview Date: 22^nd September 2023 

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about the role, please contact Katherine Burston, Assistant Director on 020 8871 6499

Useful Information:   

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.   

Equality 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.   

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. This campaign is anonymised.

Important Information:  

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils