Accounts Senior

Senior Accountant (Capital + Technical)
Luton Borough Council
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
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. 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.
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. As Senior Accountant (Capital & Technical), you'll provide strategic and operational leadership in all aspects of capital and technical accounting. Working closely with the Chief Accountant, you'll oversee the closure of the Council's accounts, ensure compliance with financial regulations and accounting standards, and maintain a robust framework for capital financing, assets, and reporting.
You'll lead on the preparation of statutory accounts and government returns, deliver high-quality financial information, and be the Council's key point of contact for external auditors. Lead the closure of accounts, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant production of financial statements.
Prepare and present sections of the Council's Statement of Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory and professional standards.
Advise senior officers and Members on the financial implications of capital investment decisions, providing technical expertise and challenge where needed.
Oversee capital financing arrangements, including MRP and CFR calculations, and maintain compliance with prudential indicators.
Develop and maintain the fixed asset register, working closely with valuers and auditors to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Lead and mentor accounting staff, promoting professional development and high performance across the team.
Act as technical liaison with external auditors and government departments, resolving complex accounting and reporting issues.
You'll be a qualified (or part-qualified) accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with strong technical accounting skills and a proven track record in financial management within a large, complex organisation.
You'll bring analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-specialists. A proactive problem-solver, you'll be comfortable managing deadlines, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement in financial reporting and governance.
Preparing and closing statutory accounts.
Managing large capital programmes and technical accounting processes.
Providing expert financial advice and reporting at a senior level.
Strong IT and financial system skills, including advanced Excel.
Working in local government or the wider public sector.
Knowledge of local authority accounting codes, capital financing, and government returns.
As part of their finance leadership team, you'll be at the heart of that transformation, shaping strategy, building financial resilience, and supporting key projects such as housing, regeneration, and infrastructure.
A culture that values inclusion, learning, and wellbeing.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Access to generous local government pension and annual leave schemes.
Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.