At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide expert advice to senior leaders.
- Company: Join Warwickshire County Council, known for innovation and exceptional financial management.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, generous leave, and various perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving strategic finance in local government.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with public sector experience and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to accelerate your career in public sector finance.
The predicted salary is between 41000 - 58000 £ per year.
Drive strategic finance in a highly visible finance role. Join a progressive and forward-thinking organisation.
About Our Client: Warwickshire County Council is a top performing local authority with a reputation for innovation, efficiency and exceptional financial management. They have recently set their budget for 2025/26 with a balanced Medium-Term Financial Strategy through to 2029/30. In addition, their accounts are up to date, with their 2023/24 Statement of Accounts receiving a clean audit opinion plus they were awarded top marks across all indicators, including Financial Sustainability for their latest Value for Money audit.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced finance professional to step into the Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy role within the Strategic Finance team. If you can match the ambition and drive of Warwickshire County Council through an exciting period for Local Government Finance, we would like to hear from you.
Job Description: This role is critical to continuing the high performance of the council, working with senior leaders at the heart of strategic decision-making to deliver a complex portfolio of work. The ideal candidate will play a central role in the finance service, you will be joining a team of three reporting to the Finance Manager - Financial Strategy and will be responsible for:
- Leading, building and developing the Medium-Term Financial Strategy
- Provision of outstanding strategic, technical and specialist financial advice to the Head of Strategic Finance, the Director of Finance and Corporate Board
- Partnering with senior stakeholders across multiple services and corporate functions on all aspects of financial planning and management
- Analysing spending plans, pressures, and corporate functions
- Overseeing key revenue funding streams including grants and council tax
- Supporting budget planning and monitoring processes
- Providing insight and advice to boards and strategic leadership teams
- Contribute to financial reporting and statutory returns
The Successful Applicant: Part or Fully Qualified Accountant (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA). Previous experience of working in a Public Sector organisation. Prior experience in a strategic or finance business partnering role. Ability to influence and engage non-finance stakeholders effectively. Evidence of identifying, planning and implementing innovative solutions to meet business needs. Demonstrate a capability to influence thinking, build strong relationships and work collaboratively. Manage risk and performance effectively to meet and exceed expected standards. Ability to work within high performing and matrix-managed teams with a commitment to excellence.
What's on Offer: Salary up to £48,710 (2024-25). The pay award for 2025-26 is still pending. Hybrid working - maximum of 2 days a week on site. LGPS Pension: Secure future income, life cover, and family benefits. Leave: 28 days + bank holidays, with an additional day during Christmas. Additional perks: Discounts, enhanced parental leave, and well-being support. Opportunity to accelerate your public sector finance career.
If you're a strategic thinker ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact: Jane Bagni. Quote job ref JN-042025-6714723Z. Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.
Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy in Warwick employer: Warwickshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Warwickshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy in Warwick
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Warwickshire County Council's recent financial strategies and reports. Understanding their Medium-Term Financial Strategy and the outcomes of their latest audits will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector finance space, especially those who have experience with local authorities. Engaging with current or former employees can provide insights into the council's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic finance and business partnering. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced non-finance stakeholders and implemented innovative solutions in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to excellence and teamwork by highlighting any collaborative projects you've been involved in. Emphasising your ability to work within high-performing teams will resonate well with the council's values and expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic finance and public sector roles. Emphasise your qualifications, such as CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA, and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to influence and engage stakeholders.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your ability to provide strategic financial advice and manage complex portfolios.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as financial planning, analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented innovative solutions in past positions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential in a senior finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warwickshire County Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of the Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy role. Familiarise yourself with the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the council's goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Discuss past experiences where you've successfully influenced financial planning or implemented innovative solutions in a public sector context.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in partnering with senior stakeholders. Be ready to share specific instances where you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-finance professionals, showcasing your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Qualifications
As a part or fully qualified accountant, ensure you can articulate how your qualifications (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) have equipped you for this role. Discuss any relevant public sector experience and how it has shaped your approach to financial management.