Job Description

Senior Capital Accountant - Local Authority
A Senior Capital Accountant in a London borough leads the authority's capital accounting, ensures compliance with CIPFA and statutory reporting, and supports strategic financial planning across major capital programmes.

Role SummaryThe Senior Capital Accountant leads the council's capital accounting function, overseeing the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant capital financial reporting. The role provides expert advice on capital financing, supports the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, and ensures robust financial stewardship of the authority's capital programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Capital Programme Oversight - Lead the financial management of the council's multi-year capital programme, ensuring accurate monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.
• Statutory Accounting Compliance - Prepare capital elements of the Statement of Accounts in line with CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS, and local government regulations.
• Asset Accounting - Oversee fixed asset registers, valuations, impairments, disposals, and revaluations, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness.
• Capital Financing & Treasury Interface - Advise on financing options including borrowing, grants, capital receipts, and revenue contributions, ensuring optimal use of resources.
• Business Partnering - Provide strategic financial advice to service areas delivering capital projects, including regeneration, housing, and infrastructure.
• Audit & Governance - Lead on capital-related audit queries, ensuring strong internal controls and compliance with governance frameworks.
• Team Leadership - Supervise and develop junior accountants, promoting high standards of financial management and continuous improvement.

• Professional Qualification - CCAB-qualified accountant (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW).
• Local Government Expertise - Strong knowledge of the CIPFA Code, capital financing regulations, and public-sector accounting.
• Analytical & Technical Skills - Advanced financial modelling, forecasting, and data interpretation.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Ability to influence senior managers, project leads, and external partners.
• Systems Knowledge - Experience with local authority finance systems and asset management tools.