Job Description

Ipswich Borough Council is committed to making the town an exceptional place to live, work and study. Through sustainable and forward-thinking initiatives, we strive to deliver strategies that put our communities first. As Chief Accountant/Operations Manager and Deputy Section 151 Officer, you’ll support us in setting budgets, increasing income – and delivering financial excellence.

You’ll manage our in-house Finance Operations Area, ensuring robust financial management across the entire Council. We’ll look to you to co-ordinate our financial activity across budgetary control, treasury management, and accounts payable and receivable. So, whether you’re supporting the Medium-Term Financial Plan or assisting with the Annual Statement of Accounts, you’ll provide sound, reliable contributions that ensure absolute compliance in all we do.

With your extensive experience operating and monitoring financial systems and procedures, you’ll influence the development of corporate projects and polices. And, with your specialist knowledge, you’ll identify ways we can reduce costs and increase income in other areas, including service delivery, external funding and partnerships. You’ll also manage our financial management ICT system (Unit 4) and develop our use of it.

You’ll act as the Council’s Deputy Statutory Section 151 Officer, deputising for the Director as required. You’ll ensure proper advice is given to the authority on all financial matters, and oversee the effective keeping of records, accounts and internal financial control.

You’ll be a proven project manager, able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and achieve positive outcomes. With responsibility for a team of accountants, you’ll be supportive, encouraging and able to delegate work appropriately. And of course, you’ll enjoy working as part of a team, and know how to influence, negotiate and motivate others effectively.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop your financial management career at an ambitious Borough Council. To join, you’ll need to be educated to degree level or equivalent, and have an appropriate financial qualification (ACS, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA). Membership of a relevant professional body is essential.

To find out more about this role please contact Emma Grumble via email emma.grumble@ipswich.gov.uk, and to apply please send your CV and a supporting statement, detailing your suitability (no more than two sides of A4) to recruitment@ipswich.gov.uk

Please download the Job Description and Person Specification to find out more about this role: Job Description and Person Specification

Latest statement of Accounts 2021/22 and Financial Strategies and Medium-term Financial