• The Senior Financial Accountant will provide senior-level financial leadership to the Surrey Pension Fund during a critical period, ensuring business as usual continuity and supporting the year-end cycle.

• The postholder will take operational ownership of pension fund accounting, financial reporting, governance, controls, budgeting and stakeholder engagement.

• This is a hands-on, delivery-focused interim assignment suited to an experienced LGPS or public sector pensions finance professional who can operate autonomously with minimal onboarding.

• Lead on financial controls, reconciliations, governance, compliance and risk management across the Pension Fund.

• Manage budgeting and forecasting processes, including oversight of the Surrey Pension Team budget and Fund financial projections.

• Oversee cashflow management, banking operations, income allocations and performance monitoring against KPIs.

• Take responsibility for the preparation, accuracy and audit-readiness of the Pension Fund Accounts and Annual Report.

• Produce high-quality financial reports and present clear financial insight to Committees, Boards and senior leadership.

• Provide leadership and direction to a small finance team, setting priorities and ensuring timely delivery.

• Deputise for the Head of Pensions – Resources when required.

• Support external audit processes and maintain strong working relationships with auditors, investment managers and external partners.

• Ensure effective interpretation and communication of complex financial data to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIPFA).

• Significant LGPS or public sector pensions finance experience.

• Strong technical knowledge of pension fund accounting and statutory reporting requirements.

• High proficiency in financial systems, modelling, reconciliations and data analysis.

• Proven ability to lead finance teams and manage competing priorities.

• Experience producing reports for Committees and Pension Boards.

• Strong stakeholder management skills across finance, investment and governance functions.

• Ability to stabilise and improve business as usual (BAU) processes.

• Confident communicator, capable of presenting financial information clearly to non-finance audiences.

• Highly organised, proactive and delivery-driven.

• The closing date: 06/03/2026.

• Location: Surrey (Woking) – Hybrid working, with on-site presence as required.

• Start: ASAP.

• Duration: 3 months initially, with potential extension.

• Rate: £550–£600 per day (maximum £600 per day).