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Chief Accountant Salary: Up to £82,209 Location: Luton Borough Council Contract: Permanent, Full-time *Must have Local Authority, or wider Public Sector experience Why Join Luton As a dynamic authority at the heart of a thriving and diverse borough, Luton Council is driving forward ambitious regeneration plans, delivering vital public services, and making a measurable difference to the lives of its residents. Few places can offer the same blend of scale, community impact, and opportunity for leaders across finance, HR, transformation, and other key corporate functions. Joining Luton means contributing to a clear and compelling vision for a town where everyone can thrive and being part of an organisation that truly puts people and place at its heart. A distinctive part of that story is London Luton Airport, one of the UK’s busiest airports and a critical economic engine for the town. Uniquely, the airport is wholly owned by the council, generating significant revenue that is reinvested back into local services, regeneration projects, and community wellbeing. It symbolises Luton’s ambition and financial resilience, providing employees with the rare opportunity to work for an authority that not only delivers for residents but also benefits from and shapes a major national asset. At Luton Council, colleagues are supported to develop, grow, and achieve their ambitions. The organisation promotes a flexible and inclusive culture, with hybrid working options, generous leave, and strong wellbeing support. There’s a clear commitment to professional development through training, mentoring, and opportunities to lead high-profile projects that deliver visible change. Staff are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and lead, knowing their contribution makes a real difference both locally and nationally. About the Role As Chief Accountant, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role at the heart of the Council’s Finance Service. Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer), you will help to ensure the sound financial management of the Council and its companies, delivering robust financial stewardship, strategic advice, and long-term sustainability. You will lead the Accountancy Division, overseeing all aspects of financial policy, accounting standards, statutory reporting, and treasury management. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, Members, and partners, helping shape financial strategy that enables investment, innovation, and value for money across the Council’s services and companies, including London Luton Airport Limited. Key Responsibilities • Determining and applying consistent accounting policies across the Council in line with best practice and professional standards., • Leading, managing, and motivating a high-performing Accountancy Division, ensuring excellence in financial service delivery., • Overseeing the preparation of the Council’s revenue budget, capital programme, and annual accounts, ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements., • Supporting the Section 151 Officer, providing expert advice and assurance on the Council’s financial health., • Managing the relationship with external auditors and ensuring audit queries are resolved promptly and effectively., • Contributing to the financial management and oversight of London Luton Airport Limited, ensuring sound governance and the reinvestment of returns into the community., • Driving continuous financial improvement, innovation, and efficiency across the authority. About You You’ll be a fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent) with substantial experience managing complex financial systems, large-scale budgets, and professional teams. You’ll combine strong technical expertise with strategic leadership, able to influence at all levels, deliver under pressure, and navigate a politically complex environment with integrity and insight. You’ll bring: • Proven experience in budget preparation, financial strategy, and statutory reporting., • The ability to think both strategically and analytically, turning insight into action., • Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage Members, senior officers, and external partners., • A collaborative and empowering leadership style that inspires performance and accountability., • A strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of public service. A Great Career Move This is a truly distinctive opportunity to join a bold, ambitious, and financially innovative council at a pivotal time in its journey. You’ll play a central role in shaping the future of a diverse and fast-growing town, supporting major regeneration and transformation programmes that make a real and lasting impact. Few roles offer this combination of strategic influence, financial responsibility, and community purpose. At Luton, your work will directly improve lives, your ideas will be heard, and your leadership will help shape a stronger future, for their residents, their organisation, and for you. To discuss this opportunity in more detail, please reach out to Thomas Porter on 07951795790, or email