Technical Accountant Based in London, hybrid working Length: 3 months IR35 status: Inside We are looking for an Accountant to lead and coordinate the preparation of the Council''s annual Statement of Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and professional standards, and delivering a high-quality, audit-ready set of accounts by the statutory publication deadline. Key Responsibilities: Lead on the closedown process and production of the annual Statement of AccountsEnsure full compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the UK and relevant IFRS standardsPrepare core financial statements including Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Movement in Reserves Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow StatementEnsure accounts are fully supported by clear, structured, and audit-ready working papersCoordinate responses to audit queries in a timely and professional mannerResolve technical accounting issues and provide clear position papers where requiredDevelop and manage a robust year-end closedown timetableStrengthen financial controls and reconciliations across the general ledgerReview balance sheet reconciliations and ensure integrity of reserves and provisions Skills, experience and knowledge required: CCAB qualified accountant (e.g., CIPFA / ACCA / ACA / CIMA)Proven experience of preparing or leading on local authority Statement of AccountsStrong knowledge of the CIPFA Code and local government accounting requirementsExp