Chief Accountant

Your new company
Hays aredelighted to be working exclusively once again with Clackmannanshire Council torecruit a Chief Accountant, offering a unique opportunity to join aforward-thinking local authority at a senior level. Based at Kilncraigs withhybrid working options, this role sits within the Finance and Revenues Serviceand plays a critical part in supporting the effective administration of theCouncil's financial affairs.
Working closelywith the Chief Finance Officer, you will contribute to the strategic andoperational leadership of finance services, helping to ensure they remain fitfor purpose, innovative, and aligned to the Council's long-term objectives.

Your new role
As ChiefAccountant and Deputy (Section 95 Officer), you will operate as a senior memberof the extended Management Team, providing leadership, direction, and oversightacross the accountancy function. You will support and deputise for the ChiefFinance Officer in fulfilling statutory responsibilities, including thosealigned to the Section 95 role, and will play a central part in ensuring theCouncil's financial governance and controls are robust and effective.
You will take responsibility for leading the development and delivery of the Council's budget strategy, managing the annual budget-setting process, and ensuring the organisation maintains a balanced financial position. The role will also involve overseeing the preparation of statutory financial statements and working closely with external auditors during the annual audit process. In addition, you will ensure strong financial management practices are embedded through effective monitoring, reporting, and control of revenue and capital budgets.
In this position,you will lead and develop high-performing finance teams, provide strategicfinancial advice to senior stakeholders and elected members, and contribute tokey areas such as treasury management, governance, and financial strategy. Youwill also support major projects, business cases, and investment decisions,ensuring compliance with regulations and delivering best value for theorganisation. A strong focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and servicetransformation will be central to your approach.

What you'll need to succeed
To succeed inthis role, you will be a professionally qualified accountant (CCAB orequivalent) with significant experience operating at a senior managerial levelwithin a financial environment. You will bring strong technical accountingexpertise, including the preparation of statutory financial statements,alongside a proven track record of developing strategic financial plans andmanaging complex revenue and capital budgets.
You will demonstrate strong leadership capability with experience of managing and developing teams, as well as excellent communication and influencing skills, enabling you to build credibility with senior stakeholders and provide effective financial advice. A sound understanding of governance, financial controls, and regulatory frameworks is essential, alongside the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to tight deadlines within a complex and demanding environment.
Experience withinthe public sector, including knowledge of local government finance or workingwithin a political environment, would be advantageous, as would exposure totreasury management and organisational transformation initiatives.

What you'll get in return
Inreturn, you will secure a high-profile senior leadership role with theopportunity to shape the financial direction of a significant public sectororganisation. You will play a key part in strategic decision-making across theorganisation while working within a collaborative and supportive seniorleadership team. The role offers the chance to drive meaningful change,influence financial strategy, and contribute to the ongoing development andimprovement of finance services, all within a flexible working environment thatsupports hybrid arrangements.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk