Lead Accountant

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK

This vacancy is only available for applications from existing Internal Plymouth City Council employees and Agency Workers who are in an active placement and have 12 weeks continuous service. Applications submitted by External candidates who do not meet this criteria will not be considered and will be rejected.

Lead Accountant (Capital Finance Team)

Grade H | Full Time | Permanent

Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career or broaden your finance experience with specialist capital accounting skills?

We're looking for a talented and ambitious accountant to join our Capital Finance team as a Lead Accountant, supporting the delivery of an ambitious £300m+ capital programme. This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your finance experience, influence key decisions, and play a vital role in supporting the Council's financial sustainability and delivery of its priorities.

The Capital Finance team sits at the heart of some of Plymouth City Council's most significant projects and investments. Working alongside colleagues across the organisation, you'll help shape the future of the city through major regeneration schemes, infrastructure investment, housing initiatives, and projects that make a real difference to residents and communities.

As a Lead Accountant, no two days are the same. Depending on the team, you could find yourself supporting major regeneration projects, developing project mandates, contributing to statutory reporting, or working alongside services to help deliver better outcomes for residents.

Beyond the role itself, you'll be joining a high-performing, supportive and collaborative finance service. Our teams work closely together, share knowledge openly, and are committed to helping each other succeed. Whether you're looking to develop your technical expertise, expand your leadership skills, or gain exposure to complex and rewarding work, Plymouth City Council offers a fantastic environment in which to grow your career.

What you'll be doing

• Providing high-quality financial advice and challenge to managers and senior stakeholders.
• Producing insightful financial analysis, forecasts and reports to support decision-making.
• Contributing to financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and innovative solutions to financial challenges.
• Supporting and developing colleagues, helping to build capability across the wider finance team.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of capital governance processes, strengthening existing frameworks and promoting best practice
• Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and ways of working.

What we're looking for

You'll be someone who enjoys solving problems, building strong relationships and making a difference through finance. You'll have:

• Part CCAB qualification (or equivalent), or be fully qualified AAT with relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support to stakeholders.
• The ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A commitment to continuous professional and personal development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop their technical expertise, gain exposure to a wide range of financial disciplines, and take on a role with real influence across the organisation.

You'll be joining a fantastic team with a strong reputation for collaboration, professionalism and support, where your contribution will be valued and your development encouraged. Join us and help shape the future of finance and investment at Plymouth City Council.

We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role

For an informal discussion, please contact: Wendy Eldridge via e-mail - wendy.eldridge@plymouth.gov.uk

Closing Date: Tuesday 13 October 2026

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career