Head of Corporate Accounting

Salary details: £ - £

About the Role

We are pleased to invite applications for the role of Head of Corporate Accounting, a senior leadership position within our Finance service. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced finance professional to create and build a new team within the Councils finance function. You will play a key part in shaping the strategic direction of financial management across Derbyshire County Council.

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Finance, you will be responsible for the delivery of statutory accounts, treasury management, capital accounting, and the Medium-Term Financial Plan. You will act as a professional expert and provide appropriate advice on all aspects of the service area.

This role is central to the Council’s financial governance and transformation agenda, requiring excellent leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to influence at all levels.

The aim of Derbyshire County Councils finance function is to deliver an excellent service which is recognised as best in class. The successful candidate will be excited by the opportunity to change and improve finance delivery within the Council to and shape their own team to ensure we meet this goal.

Key Responsibilities
· Lead the corporate accounting service, embedding a performance-driven culture aligned with Council priorities.
· Oversee the production of statutory accounts, budgets, and financial monitoring reports.
· Manage treasury and capital accounting functions, including strategy development and reporting.
· Act as the professional expert on all aspects of the service area , including advising on taxation, compliance, and regulatory matters.
· Maintain robust financial control systems and ensure the integrity of the Council’s financial position.
· Support strategic planning and contribute to the development of the Council Plan and Departmental Service Plan.
· Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected Members, auditors, and partner organisations.
· Lead and develop a high-performing team, supporting professional development and succession planning.

About You
We are seeking a qualified CCAB (or equivalent) accountant with substantial post-qualification experience in a large and complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading teams, delivering complex financial projects, and influencing strategic outcomes in a political environment.

You will bring:
· Strong technical accounting knowledge and experience in statutory reporting
· Excellent analytical, ICT and financial modelling skills
· The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-specialists
· A collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement
· Political awareness and the ability to operate confidently in a member-led environment

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact David Catlow  david.catlow@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 26th October 2025

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 3rd November 2025

This is more than a leadership role, it’s a chance to build a new team from the ground up, drive innovation, and embed excellence at the heart of our finance service. If you're a strategic thinker with the ambition to influence change and deliver impact, we really want to hear from you!

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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This role currently offers hybrid working options which will be to subject service needs, there'll be an opportunity to discuss working arrangements for this position at interview.

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.