Chief Finance Officer’s Directorate

Supports the Mayor’s Office and wider GLA on a variety of different aspects: from managing daily financial decisions to setting long-term objectives; budget setting; and observing and recognising projects and opportunities in the market that may be worthy of development or investment.

About the team

The team works within the Financial Services unit providing financial accounting for the GLA. The focus of the team is the preparation of the published financial statements as well as ensuring adequate financial control is exercised across the organisation.

About the role

The Senior Accountant will play a key role in supporting the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in delivering high-quality accounting, taxation and exchequer services across the GLA Group. Leading a team of finance professionals, the role will support the preparation of the annual accounts, provide expert advice on technical accounting matters, support the ongoing development of financial systems and processes, and contribute to the effective delivery of taxation advice and compliance activities.

What your day will look like

To deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant.

To support the preparation of the annual accounts for the Greater London Authority (GLA), GLA Group, and, in so doing, to liaise with the auditors.

To provide high quality technical accounting advice on complex areas, including on the capital programme.

To support the work of GLA’s shared transactional financial services, including accounts payable, sales invoicing, payroll, pensions and procurement.

To develop the GLA’s use of its financial system and to ensure that it is fit for purpose for the GLA's evolving responsibilities.

To work with the GLA's in-house and external taxation advisory function in the provision of high quality advice and to ensure that the GLA’s tax liabilities are accurately calculated and reported to HMRC in a timely manner.

To ensure that reports and financial information are produced from the financial system to meet stakeholder requirements.

To manage staff to co-ordinate their activities to ensure the timely delivery of financial advice and other pieces of work.

To complete all other reasonable tasks, as directed, to fulfil this role.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

Either a CCAB qualified accountant or an equivalent level of attainment.

Substantial knowledge and practical experience of public sector finance, including a strong understanding of the statutory and regulatory framework governing local authority accounting.

Proven experience in managing, maintaining and developing financial accounting systems, together with experience of supporting or leading finance-related projects and system improvements.

Significant experience of working with internal and external auditors, including leading and coordinating the year-end accounts and audit process.

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, with the ability to analyse, manipulate and present complex financial data.

Experience of using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Oracle, Agresso or equivalent systems.