Hackney has an excellent financial track record and is looking to build on this as we face the challenges of a post-Covid world in the coming months and years. We can not afford to rest on our laurels. This role will be key in driving improvements in the way we work as a council, by supporting and leading transformational change, continuing on a journey to improve the way we build our capital programme and ensuring we are efficient as possible in financial processes.

The challenge for Hackney is to make sure that the borough's economic growth provides benefits for everyone who lives here, and to create opportunities that will transform the lives of local people.

We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney. In the face of unprecedented budgetary demands, we need financial leaders of the future to help us tackle these challenges head on, so we can continue to provide the services our residents rely on and contribute to a thriving east end.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious individual to take on the role of Chief Accountant to support the Council to rebuild a better Hackney that really works for everyone in the context of the financial pressures and the other enduring impacts the pandemic has had on the Council and our communities.

As Chief Accountant, you will be responsible for the overall management of up to 30 staff and various functions within the Accountancy section of the Financial Management Division. You will ensure that the annual statement of accounts are produced in a timely and efficient manner taking the lead in the relationship with the external auditors. You will be proactive in ensuring that the Corporate Accountancy Team provides an effective service of the highest quality with regards to developing accounting policies, keeping accounting records and support, capital accounting and budgetary service, and the co-ordination of submission of grant and other financial returns. You will lead the development of the capital programme, mindful of affordability and legislative guidance and provide practical and evidence based advice as appropriate. You will also oversee the control and reporting functions in respect of the Accounts Receivable systems, producing regular management performance reports and advising on best practice.

Your experience leading on corporate financial issues across a local authority and detailed understanding and knowledge of local government finance and accounting regime and regulations is what we are looking for. Leading and motivating employees as well as contributing to strategies, as part of the Divisional Management Team, and translating them into realisable plans, including the impact of cross directorate/functional working, you will have demonstrable experience developing strategic and operational change with a local authority. You will hold a recognised CCAB Accountancy Qualification or equivalent and have relevant financial management experience at a Senior Level within the public sector.

This year has seen all our certainties overturned; the way we work, how we interact with our residents and colleagues, how we provide services, how our local economies function. The last eighteen months has given us new challenges, but more than anything, it has intensified our existing challenges, and our focus on them.

Hackney Council has always been positive, inclusive, ambitious, and pioneering, and remains so today. We are determined that out of this uniquely challenging set of circumstances, we will renew ourselves as an organisation, and our commitment to our underpinning values.

The people who apply for senior level roles in the organisation, will be vital to helping us overcome these new challenges, and meet our ambitious goals, together as one team.

We are looking for an exceptional individual with creativity and vision, with a track record in the strategic leadership of public services, and who can share our passion and commitment for Hackney, and for building a fairer future for everyone who lives here.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 28 November 2021

Interviews: W/c 13 December 2021

We are working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available hackneyworksjobs@hackney.gov.uk

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