Location: Kendal, Penrith or Barrow (including working from home/agile working), with the facility to work from Parkhouse, Carlisle
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
We are looking for an experienced, CCAB qualified Accountant to join our Corporate Accounting team. This is a key role within the team and must have strong knowledge of Local Government finance and year-end accounting processes including Statement of Accounts and capital accounting.
Working closely with the Group Accountant, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality technical accounting services. This will include preparing the Council’s annual statement of accounts and liaising with external audit to ensure compliance with Local Government accounting standards and regulations
Who we are looking for…
The main purpose of the role is:
- Act as the Council’s technical expert in Local Government Accounting, delivering guidance and training to colleagues
- Produce accurate financial statements, grant claims, and statutory returns within required deadlines.
- Contribute to the preparation of the annual Statement of Accounts.
- Lead and coordinate liaison with External Audit, including responding to audit queries, providing working papers, and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and value-for-money outcomes.
- Maintain awareness of developments in Local Government finance and policy.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Fiona Parker on 07741 230019 or [email protected]
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 21st June 2026
Interview date: To be confirmed
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected]
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
