Dorset Council UK
Senior Financial Accountant at Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police
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Salary
Starts at £52,194 rising to £57,186 per annum+ Excellent Benefits including Government Pension
Location
Hybrid Working/Police Headquarters Exeter, Devon or Winfrith, Dorset
Closing Date
28th August 2026, Midday
Hours per week
37 per week. Part-time and flexible working patterns considered subject to business need.
The role
Join our Alliance Finance Department, a team of around 80 professionals delivering payroll, purchasing and exchequer, and accountancy services across both Devon & Cornwall Police and Dorset Police. Based across our headquarters in Exeter or Winfrith, this hybrid role offers regular home working and the opportunity to work alongside colleagues located at your preferred headquarters. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a supportive team serving two police forces.
We are seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Financial Accountant to play a key role in delivering high-quality financial accounting services across both forces and the respective Officers of the Police and Crime Commissioners.
Reporting to the Head of Financial Accounting, you will provide senior-level financial expertise, helping to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements while supporting the delivery of robust financial management. The role includes responsibility for supporting the production of annual statutory accounts, overseeing capital accounting and treasury-related activity, managing statutory returns, and working closely with auditors, actuaries, valuers and senior stakeholders.
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You will lead financial accounting activities, drive continuous improvement, provide technical guidance to finance colleagues, and support strategic financial planning, including capital programmes and medium-term financial strategies. You will also deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting when required, providing senior leadership support.
This is a new and exciting opportunity for a qualified accountant who enjoys combining technical expertise with leadership, stakeholder engagement and service development within a complex and high-profile public sector environment.
About You
You will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant (or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience and a proven track record of producing and interpreting complex financial information. You will possess strong leadership and communication skills, experience of managing and developing teams, and the ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. A proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous improvement and organisational change is essential.
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Experience of public sector accounting and knowledge of the wider local government or policing finance landscape would be advantageous.
Key Highlights
- Senior leadership role within a collaborative Alliance Finance team.
- Opportunity to influence financial strategy and statutory reporting.
- Hybrid working arrangements available, subject to business needs.
- Work with a broad range of senior stakeholders, including Chief Financial Officers, auditors, and operational leaders.
- Contribute to the financial sustainability and governance of two Police Forces.
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring strong financial stewardship and supporting the delivery of vital public services across Dorset, and Devon and Cornwall.
Structured Interview/Assessment
The shortlisted candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a 10 to 15 minute presentation. Following the presentation, the interview panel will ask a number of questions relating to both the presentation and the candidate’s suitability for the role. The assessment will take place on the same date as the interview.
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