Senior Accountant (VAT Corporate Finance)

Working arrangement: hybrid (office / home / neighbourhood). Interviews in person on 9–10 September 2026.

About the role

Trafford’s Financial Management team provides high-quality, effective financial support to an ambitious, forward-thinking council with a dynamic, customer-focused culture and strong growth ambitions. We are looking for a highly motivated, inspirational, and dynamic qualified accountant to join the Corporate Finance Team as Senior Accountant.

This key role assists with the coordination of the Revenue and Capital Budget, Medium-Term Financial Plan, resource projections, annual closure of accounts, and grant-claim processes in line with corporate procedures. The post holder also monitors, prepares, and closes down the Council’s Corporate function, submits monthly VAT returns, and provides VAT advice within a Local Authority context.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and assist with the Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Prepare resource projections and support the annual closure of accounts.
• Manage grant-claim processes according to corporate procedures.
• Monitor, prepare, and close down the Council’s Corporate function budgets.
• Submit monthly VAT returns and provide VAT advice within a Local Authority context.
• Support strategic leadership and liaise with chief officers in partner organisations.
• Operate at a granular level of detail, working autonomously and collaboratively as required.

Requirements

• CCAB-qualified accountant or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in a public-sector finance organisation.
• Experience of local-government financial arrangements, including preparation of year-end statutory and management accounts.
• Knowledge of governance and political context within local government.
• Awareness of accounting arrangements relating to corporate functions (advantageous).
• Willingness to travel across the Trafford borough using road or public transport for key meetings and events.
• Ability to attend occasional meetings outside normal working hours.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible team player and proactive problem solver.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Enthusiasm for making a positive difference for Trafford residents.

Flexible working

We offer SMART working—flexibility to shape your working pattern around your life while delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about options such as working from home one or more days a week and adjusting hours.

For an informal chat or questions, contact hiring manager Samantha Beeson at Samantha.beeson@trafford.gov.uk or on 07890 032435.