Chief Accountant
BBBH50387_1769524407
Posted: 27/01/2026
- £500 - £650 per day
- Hampshire
- Temporary
Chief Accountant - Interim - South Coast
Spencer Clarke Group are working closely with a Local Authority on the South Coast to appoint an Interim Chief Accountant to lead the corporate and technical accounting function during a key period for financial governance and audit.
This is a circa 6-9 month interim assignment, providing senior technical leadership across the Council's financial ledger, Statement of Accounts, external audit, VAT, treasury and capital accounting, supporting the S151 Officer and Director of Finance as the authority strengthens its control environment.
The Role
You will take ownership of the Council's core financial accounting and reporting framework, leading the production of the Statement of Accounts, managing the external audit relationship and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, CIPFA guidance and statutory requirements.
What's on Offer:
£500-£650 per day (inside IR35), negotiable depending on experience
Contract: c. 6-9 months
Full-time: 36 hours
Hybrid working
Start: ASAP / subject to notice
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead the Statement of Accounts and coordinate year-end closedown
* Manage the general ledger, balance sheet, reconciliations and cash position
* Act as senior point of contact for external auditors and drive clearance of audit queries
* Oversee VAT, taxation, banking and cash management to ensure compliance and accuracy
* Provide technical advice across revenue, capital, treasury and complex transactions
* Lead and develop the technical accounting team
* Support the S151 Officer / Director of Finance on governance and reporting matters
About You
* Strong local authority technical accounting / corporate accounting experience
* Proven ownership of Statement of Accounts and external audit
* Strong balance sheet, capital accounting and treasury knowledge
* VAT and local government taxation experience
* Team management experience
* CCAB qualified (CIPFA/ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
How to Apply
If you are interested, please submit your CV along with your required day rate. If successful, a consultant will be in touch to discuss further details. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
INDSCGBR
We also offer a market-leading referral scheme of up to £300. If you know someone suitable, please ask them to email their CV to , including your details. T&Cs apply.
Brad Robertson
Senior Consultant