Senior Accountant - Technical

Senior Accountant - Technical

Technical and Capital Senior Accountant (Service Focused)
Uttlesford District Council -
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 RoleThis 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 / ContactFor a confidential discussion, please contact:Lucy West - Senior Business Director, Hays Public Sector FinanceIf you want, I can also tailor this into a shorter LinkedIn/job board version or make it more candidate-attractive/less formal