Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
24/09/2026
Advert End Date:
06/10/2026 23:59
Salary:
Grade 9 (SCP 37 - 41) £49,818 - £54,143
Job Category:
Finance / Benefits / Revenues / Procurement
Employment Location:
City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Further Information
Help Shape Sunderland's Future
Sunderland City Council is delivering an ambitious programme of regeneration, service transformation and financial improvement. As we continue to strengthen our financial resilience and deliver value for residents, we are investing in our Finance Service and are looking for a talented finance professional to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact within a forward-thinking local authority, supporting key financial processes while developing your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
What you'll do:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced finance professional to take on the role of Senior Accountant within our Finance Team.
Reporting to the Principal Accountant, you will play a key role in supporting the Council's financial management arrangements, providing high-quality financial advice, coordinating key accounting processes and helping to ensure the Council meets its statutory and regulatory responsibilities.
You will work closely with budget managers and senior officers to support effective decision making and maintain strong financial governance across the organisation.
The role will involve:
- Coordinating and completing statutory financial returns and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Leading on Collection Fund accounting, including forecasting, monitoring and year-end accounting requirements.
- Supporting the preparation of financial statements, working papers and year-end closedown processes.
- Supporting the preparation, monitoring and forecasting of budgets.
- Providing financial advice and guidance to service managers and senior officers.
- Analysing complex financial information and presenting findings in a clear and meaningful way.
- Supporting internal and external audit requirements and implementing recommendations where required.
- Contributing to the continuous improvement and development of financial processes, systems and reporting arrangements.
This is an excellent opportunity for an accountant who enjoys working in a varied and challenging environment and wants to broaden their experience across local government finance.
About You
You will be:
- A CCAB-qualified accountant, or AAT qualified with significant relevant experience.
- Experienced in local government finance, accounting and financial management.
- Knowledgeable in local authority accounting principles, statutory requirements and financial planning processes.
- Experienced in preparing financial returns, financial reports and supporting year-end closedown activities.
- Able to build effective working relationships.
- Confident in analysing complex financial information.
- Organised, proactive and committed to delivering high-quality financial support.
- Able to prioritise competing demands and meet challenging deadlines.
Why Work for Sunderland City Council?
At Sunderland City Council, you'll join a finance team that plays a central role in supporting the Council's vision for the city and its residents.
We offer:
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Professional support and career progression.
- Opportunities to expand your experience across a broad range of local government finance activities.
Help us deliver excellent financial management and support Sunderland's continued growth and success.
Applications should be made online at northeastjobs.org.uk/sunderlandcitycouncil. For further assistance contact Customer Enabling Services by email: jobs@sunderland.gov.uk
Please note that CVs are not accepted.
Please note that all communication regarding your application for this post will be sent to the email address that you have registered online with North East Jobs, including your invitation to any online assessment you are required to undertake and your invite to interview if you are shortlisted. Please check your email inbox after the closing date for notifications as you may not be notified by any other means. Please remember to check your junk mail items.