Technical Accountant Closedown Review

Technical Accountant - Closedown Review

£500 per day | Interim Contract until 31 December 2026 | Mainly Remote

We are recruiting for an experienced Technical Accountant to support a Local Authority client with a key Closedown Review workstream within its Finance Transformation Programme. This role will also provide support to the Corporate Finance Team, including Chief Accountant-related responsibilities as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a fundamental review of the 2025/26 closedown process and Statement of Accounts.
• Assess revenue and capital closedown procedures, working papers, reconciliations and audit trails.
• Review team capacity, roles and responsibilities, governance and management oversight.
• Evaluate compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice and Disclosure Checklist.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounts production, strengthen balance sheet assurance and improve external audit readiness.
• Review findings from internal audit, external audit and previous independent reviews.
• Assess capital accounting, pensions, grants accounting, fixed asset processes and finance system controls.

Essential Requirements

• Fully Qualified CCAB Accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualified experience (PQE).
• Significant local government finance experience.
• Proven experience managing or supporting the closure of Statement of Accounts.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and understanding of CIPFA requirements.
• Experience working with external auditors and driving process improvements.

Contract Details

• £500 per day (flexiable)
• Interim contract until 31 December 2026
• Mainly remote
• Approximately one office visit per month

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned local government finance professional to play a key role in improving closedown processes and supporting a wider finance transformation programme.