Chief accountant

Job Title: Chief Accountant (6-Month Contract) Location: Barnet, London Salary: GBP600 per day Contract Type: Hybrid (Part Remote, Part On-site) About Us: We are seeking a highly skilled Chief Accountant to join a local authority in Barnet on a 6-month contract basis. This pivotal role involves managing the closure of our Accounts team, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines, and serving as the primary liaison between the council and external auditors. Key Responsibilities: Oversee the closure of the Accounts team, ensuring timely production of accounts and related notes in accordance with statutory deadlines. Act as the primary point of contact for external auditors, facilitating smooth communication and addressing any audit-related queries or concerns. Manage a team of 3 Finance Managers responsible for capital accounting, closedown timetable adherence, and interfacing between the closing team, finance department, and other council departments. Provide strategic guidance and direction to the Accounts team, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements. Develop and implement efficient processes and procedures to optimise financial reporting and compliance efforts. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance financial transparency, accuracy, and accountability across the organisation.Requirements: Proven experience in financial management and accounting, preferably within a public sector or local authority environment. Strong understanding of statutory accounting principles, regulations, and reporting requirements. Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire team members towards achieving common goals. Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Analytical mindset with a keen eye for detail and the ability to identify areas for process improvement and optimisation. Relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) would be advantageous.Join us in making a difference in the Barnet community through effective financial management and accountability