Deputy Chief Accountant

Connected Local Government; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Oxfordshire is seeking a Deputy Chief Accountant. You will support the Chief Accountant, manage financial systems, and oversee the preparation of annual financial reports. The role requires a CCAB qualified accountant with experience in large organisations. This position offers a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Hybrid working

Great learning and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Generous annual leave

Enhanced family friendly policies

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounts for shopping and travel

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and producing accounts for large, complex organisations.
• Excellent knowledge of capital accounting regulations.
• Ability to influence and negotiate with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Accountant in maintaining financial accounting systems.
• Coordinate the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts.
• Manage a small team of Assistant Accountants.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Financial policy knowledge

Capital accounting regulations

Team management

Organisational skills

Education

CCAB qualified accountant

Job description

About Us

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to leading positive change and making Oxfordshire a greener, fairer, and healthier county. We work in partnership with local communities, public sector organisations, and businesses to deliver high-quality services that support the wellbeing and prosperity of our residents. Our vision is underpinned by a set of clear priorities, including environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and continuous improvement in public services.

Oxfordshire is proud of its diverse communities. We are dedicated to promoting equality, supporting vulnerable people, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our teams are passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference for the people who live and work here.

Join us and be part of an organisation that values learning, kindness, integrity, and the courage to do things differently.

About the Role

As Deputy Chief Accountant, you will support the Chief Accountant in maintaining and improving the council’s financial accounting systems and ensuring accurate, timely statutory reporting. You will coordinate the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts, manage the final accounts timetable, and liaise with both internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver information to strict deadlines.

You will oversee the management of fixed asset reporting, capital balance sheet accounts, and ensure compliance with legislative and professional requirements. The role includes preparing capital accounting elements for final accounts, completing government returns, and working closely with external auditors. You will also maintain oversight of revenue hierarchies, support the development of finance policies and procedures, and manage a small team of Assistant Accountants.

This is a flexible role, offering the opportunity to work across various locations in Oxfordshire in line with the council’s agile working policy. You will play a key part in ensuring the council’s financial integrity and supporting high-quality public service delivery.

About you

You are a CCAB qualified accountant with experience in planning and producing accounts for large, complex organisations within a statutory framework. You have a good understanding of financial policy, practices, and legislation, and possess excellent knowledge of capital accounting regulations.

You are confident working with external auditors and have strong stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate, and build productive relationships at all levels. Your credibility enables you to work effectively in a political environment and engage with senior managers, colleagues, and partners.

You are organised, proactive, and able to coordinate and deliver to tight deadlines. You are comfortable managing and supporting a team, and you thrive in a flexible, agile working environment.

Rewards and benefits

• Hybrid working – typically 3-4 days per month in our Oxford office for team collaboration, with flexibility to suit your role and lifestyle
• Culture of flexible working
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• Technology to support agile working
• Employee Assistance Programme including health and wellbeing support
• Generous annual leave – up to 33 days plus bank holidays, and an option to ‘buy’ additional holiday
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Local Government Pension Scheme – with employer contributions up to 19.9%
• Discounts – local and national offers for shopping and travel

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early application is therefore encouraged.

If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact me at [e-mail].