West Sussex County Council
Chief Accountant
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Chief Accountant – Finance Directorate
Salary: £75,305 to £80,340 per annum | Working Pattern: Full-time | Location: County Hall, Chichester + hybrid
Interview Date: Week commencing 27th July
Are you a senior finance professional with extensive leadership experience?
If you have a proven track record in finance leadership, a rigorous approach to governance, and a strong commitment to public sector finance, we want to hear from you.
The Opportunity
About the Role
Are you a dynamic and experienced Chief Accountant looking to lead a Finance Directorate in a forward-thinking local authority?
We are seeking a senior finance leader with:
- A CCAB qualification and active membership in a relevant professional body
- Extensive public sector experience, particularly in financial reporting, governance, and compliance
- A methodical and commercially-driven approach, ensuring financial resources align with strategic objectives
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire teams while meeting tight deadlines
- Proficiency in Oracle Fusion—you’ll drive system maintenance, improvement, and future enhancements
As the Chief Accountant, you will:
- Lead a team of up to 20 (including 5 direct reports)
- Oversee core financial governance and statutory reporting for the Council
- Ensure financial resilience, compliance, and regulatory alignment in an evolving environment
- Manage relationships with senior leaders, Councillors, and external partners
- Play a pivotal role in strategic financial planning and risk management
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This is a unique opportunity to shape a sustainable, future-focused financial framework for a leading West Sussex Council.
About You
To succeed in this role, you should have:
Key Skills & Experience
✔ A CCAB-qualified Chartered Accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW) ✔ Public sector finance expertise, particularly in statutory reporting, regulatory compliance, and financial controls ✔ Strategic financial leadership, with a track record of delivering high-quality governance and efficiency gains ✔ People management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and performance development ✔ Impeccable communication skills—able to advise senior officers, Councillors, and external stakeholders confidently ✔ Analytical problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in financial processes ✔ Experience leading financial system implementations (e.g., Oracle Fusion, ERP transitions)
We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate innovation in public sector finance while maintaining rigorous ethical standards.
Working for West Sussex County Council
Beyond exceptional career opportunities, we offer:
✅ Generous pension scheme (local government default) ✅ 30 days holiday (plus opportunity to buy additional leave) ✅ Flexible working arrangements (role-specific flexibility) ✅ Parental, dependency, and adoption leave ✅ Volunteering programmes and staff discounts (via West Sussex Choices—potential savings of over £1,000/year) ✅ Employer-subsidised health benefits, including:
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Voluntary Health Cash Plans ✅ Training and development—encouraging coaching, mentoring, and career progression
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For the full benefits package, visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Important Information
- Reference Number: CRS01100
- Safeguarding & Health Check: This post is subject to 3 years referencing and a health declaration.
- Guaranteed Interviews: We operate a scheme for applicants with disabilities, veterans, and care leavers—learn more.
- Equity & Inclusion: We are committed to diversity, with a flexible recruitment process tailored to your needs.
How to Apply
Next Steps
- Save the full job description—results won’t be published afterward.
- Upload your CV & Cover Letter here.
- In your cover letter:
- Outline your motivation for this role.
- Highlight relevant skills and experience (align with key skills).
- Briefly address any employment gaps in your CV.
Contact Us
For informal chats or application queries, email: hrrecruitment@westsussex.gov.uk
We look forward to welcoming someone who is passionate about public sector finance and ready to drive excellence in our Council. Let’s create an accountable, efficient, and resilient financial future together.
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