Deputy Chief Accountant

Directorate of Resources

We are looking to attract an ambitious candidate for this Finance Leadership Team role and are able to offer a flexible working pattern where you can work remotely for most of the time, with occasional attendance in central Reading of around a day month subject to the needs of the Service.

The Deputy Chief Accountant is responsible for managing the production of the annual statement of accounts including liaising with external auditors, and ensuring the Council has a robust general ledger control environment.

In addition to this, you will also deputise for the Chief Accountant across a range of finance transformational activities working with a great finance team offering you plenty of opportunities for rewarding work and career growth.

Reading Borough Council are entering a period of exciting change. Despite the challenges facing local authorities, Reading is focused on improving the quality of life for residents, including investing in new leisure facilities, reducing our carbon footprint, improving customer service, and putting in place more self-enabling support within Social Care. The Council is managing significant Levelling-Up grant funded projects to revitalise Reading’s cultural offer by transforming the much-loved Hexagon Theatre and providing a modern new Central Library.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

This role is responsible for managing the production of the annual statutory accounts and supporting disclosure requirements, providing technical advice and managing key financial reconciliations.

Other duties & responsibilities include:

• To manage the production of the annual Statement of Accounts.
• To manage the relationship with External Audit and key stakeholders to ensure accurate information and explanations are provided in a timely manner.
• To maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts, balances, transactions and controls that facilitate all aspects of statutory and management reporting.
• To provide technical accounting advice to Council staff to ensure that best practice and relevant accounting standards and guidance is followed.
• To analyse and provide advice on potential impacts of changes in accounting codes of practice.

About you

We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant experience in local government finance working at a senior level providing high quality financial information.

Experience of working with key stakeholders such as external auditors, actuaries, asset valuers, Directors/Chief Officers and having effective collaboration skills are essential.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Mark Sanders, Chief Accountant (mark.sanders@reading.gov.uk)

To Apply, please use this link:

Penna | Job board | Deputy Chief Accountant

Closing Date: Sunday 17th August 2025

Interview Date: Tuesday 26th August 2025

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.