Technical Accountant Closedown Review

Interim Technical Accountant (Closedown Review) – 3 Month Contract

Location: Fully Remote

Rate: £461.77 per day (Umbrella)

Contract: 3 Month Contract

Hours: 37 Hours Per Week

IR35 Status: Inside IR35

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council are in search of a seasoned Interim Technical Accountant to spearhead a thorough evaluation of their closedown processes, financial reporting frameworks, and the preparation of the Statement of Accounts. This pivotal role aims to enhance year-end procedures, boost audit preparedness, improve governance, and ensure adherence to CIPFA standards and local government accounting regulations. In addition to leading the review, the selected candidate will provide support to the Corporate Finance Team and perform tasks typically associated with a Chief Accountant.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the 2025/26 closedown processes for both councils.
  
• Examine Statements of Accounts, including supporting notes, working papers, and source documents.
  
• Assess revenue and capital closedown procedures and controls.
  
• Evaluate the governance, accountability, and leadership of the closedown process.
  
• Review past performance against statutory accounting deadlines.
  
• Analyze technical accounting capabilities, team capacity, and structure.
  
• Review fixed asset accounting and management of the Fixed Asset Register.
  
• Scrutinize balance sheet reconciliations, control accounts, and assurance processes.
  
• Evaluate the accounting treatment of grants, accruals, commitments, and prior year adjustments.
  
• Assess financial system outputs, spreadsheet controls, and document management practices.
  
• Enhance external audit readiness and support improvements in audit processes.
  
• Ensure compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice and Disclosure Checklist.
  
• Identify opportunities to modernize, streamline, and strengthen accounts production processes.
  
• Provide technical accounting support and advice at the Chief Accountant level.
  

Requirements:

• Fully qualified CCAB Accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent).
  
• At least 5 years of post-qualification experience.
  
• Extensive experience in Local Government finance.
  
• Significant expertise in year-end closedown processes.
  
• Experience in preparing and reviewing Statements of Accounts.
  
• Strong technical accounting knowledge within a local authority setting.
  
• Proficiency in:
  • Capital Accounting
    
  • Fixed Assets
    
  • Financial Reporting
    
  • Balance Sheet Management
    
  • Audit Preparation
    
• In-depth understanding of the CIPFA Code of Practice.
  
• Experience collaborating with External Auditors.
  
• Demonstrated ability to review processes, identify improvements, and implement best practices.
  
• Experience operating at or supporting the Chief Accountant level.
  

What's on Offer?

• £461.77 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 3 Month Contract
  
• Fully Remote Working
  
• 37 Hours Per Week
  
• Inside IR35
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a major financial closedown and governance review project.
  
• Strategic role supporting two Local Authorities.
  
• High-level exposure across financial reporting, audit, governance, and corporate finance.
  

This role is ideal for candidates with experience as an Interim Technical Accountant, Chief Accountant, Financial Reporting Manager, Corporate Finance Manager, Principal Accountant, Head of Financial Accounting, or Local Government Finance Consultant.