Financial Accounting Manager

Luton Borough Council remains determined that they will be known as the council that Cares. Through Collaborative, ambitious, respectful, empowering and supportive services they are driven to provide the best possible service for their residents.

Aligned with this ambitious and rewarding vision, Council staff are working hard to respond positively and proactively to a wide range of operational and financial challenges. Drawing on a strong track record of high performance and ongoing transformation, they are looking at every part of their services to identify and implement innovative approaches to ensure quality services are delivered for all those who live in, work in or visit the county.

This exciting role offers a wide variety of career and development opportunities within a commercially driven and forward thinking unitary authority. The Council has developed powerful assets in the form of Luton Airport and has its own housing company, held as a wholly owned companies, which provide longer term financial stability and a focus on continuous improvement and development. The extensive capital programme includes plans to expand the airport and regenerate the town and Luton has recently been successful in securing a grant from the Levelling Up Fund to support the programme. The future for Luton looks bright and the opportunities for the workforce are tangible. 

CIPFA have commended the Council for decisive action and pro-activity in addressing the Covid related budget pressures. We also had a nomination in the 2023 LGC awards in the Public to Public Partnership category so its clear Luton is an exciting place to work right now!

The Financial Accounting manager is an integral part of the Council, helping to develop solutions and further innovation to meet any challenges the Council may face.

Key responsibilities will include;

• Providing corporate advice to ensure the councils financial health as well as developing and applying the council’s financial policies
• Establishing and maintaining constructive working relationships with partners and stakeholders, including MP’s, Local Government Associations, Councillors and Chief Officers, to influence financial debates at a local and national level
• Lead and play a major role in the closure of the Council’s accounts and the preparation of the Statement of Accounts, ensuring that the Statement is prepared in accordance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations, relevant codes of practice, local authority accounting panel advice, and the requirements of the external auditor
• Monitor all new legislation, regulation and accounting standards, and, working in collaboration with relevant officers and other stakeholders, analyse and advise on its impact and ensure its implementation where appropriate. This will include any new and/or changes to the financial standards as promoted by the Chartered institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). 

To be suitable, you must be an innovative qualified finance professional with a positive attitude and substantial experience of managing complex financial systems and procedures, alongside proven experience of budget management and business planning. The ability to influence and challenge is also essential.

For more information or for an informal discussion, please contact our recruitment partner at Penna, Mandy Dhillon on 07543306303 or email Mandy.Dhillon@penna.comTo apply, please click on the apply button to upload your CV and cover letter. The cover letter should be no more then two pages and should say why you are interested in the role and why you believe you are suitable.

The Council is embracing a hybrid approach to working, enabling staff to work flexibly. There is no set requirement in terms of numbers of days to be in the office, rather staff are encouraged to consider the best location to undertake the work they are doing. Computer based work and video calls are likely to be best done at home or remote site, collaboration and engaging with colleagues may be better in the office.