Senior Financial Accountant

Contract Civic Recruitment Limited United Kingdom

Posted On 27/04/2026

Job Information

Work Experience 4-5 years

City Woldingham

Province Surrey

Postal Code CR3

Job Description

3 month contract role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

• A Senior Financial Accountant is required to provide high-level financial leadership for the Surrey Pension Fund during a critical period.
• This is a hands-on contract role focused on maintaining business-as-usual operations while supporting the year-end cycle.
• The successful candidate will take ownership of financial accounting, reporting, controls, and stakeholder engagement within a public sector pensions environment.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

• Lead and maintain robust financial controls, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Manage budgeting processes and financial forecasting for the Pension Fund.
• Oversee cashflow management, banking operations, and financial transactions.
• Take ownership of pension fund accounts and ensure audit readiness for the annual report.
• Produce and present high-quality financial reports to senior leadership, committees, and boards.
• Provide leadership and direction to a small finance team, ensuring effective delivery of priorities.
• Act as deputy for the Head of Pensions (Resources) when required.
• Ensure accurate reconciliations and effective risk management processes.
• Engage with key stakeholders including auditors, investment teams, and external partners.

Skills/Experience

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIPFA).
• Strong experience within LGPS or public sector finance.
• Proven expertise in financial accounting, reporting, and governance.
• Advanced financial systems, data analysis, and modelling skills.
• Strong reconciliation and audit preparation experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of finance teams or functions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data clearly.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver under pressure.
• Experience stabilising and improving BAU finance operations.

Additional Information

• Contract length: 3 months initially, with potential extension.
• Location: Woking, Surrey (hybrid working, on-site as required).