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- Tasks: Manage property accounts and provide financial advice for two district councils.
- Company: Join a dynamic Strategic Property team focused on innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness perks like gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make an impact in local governance while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, AAT qualified, with 3 years in public sector accounting.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a focus on outcomes, not just office hours.
The predicted salary is between 44747 - 51005 £ per year.
Salary and grade: £44,747 - £51,005 per year, Grade 6
Duration of role: Permanent
Hours per week: 37
Location: The designated office base is Abbey House, Abingdon. The councils operate in a truly flexible, and hybrid way where the focus is on outcomes not where you work.
Closing Date: 16/06/2025
About the role and what we are looking for
This is an exciting opportunity to work in a busy and forward-looking Strategic Property team serving two district councils. We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated Property Accounts Manager to provide professional financial services and advice to support the delivery of the Strategic Property function with responsibility for overseeing the property accounting function for both councils' property portfolios. The post will work with the Strategic Finance team to provide analysis and reporting of financial data to inform the work of the function ensuring compliance with the councils' financial regulations, the CIPFA code, and the applicable corporate financial systems and procedures.
About you
Your essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Strong all round accounting knowledge.
- Ability to collect, appraise, analyse and evaluate information.
- Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and spoken and the ability to plan and prioritise self and the team.
- Diplomacy, tact and negotiation skills both internally and externally across all levels of leadership.
- Ability to analyse financial data and produce and evaluate meaningful management information.
- Ability to troubleshoot, problem solve and think laterally.
- Good understanding of a Financial Management System and Property Information Management System.
- A sound understanding of accounting requirements.
- Numerate with a high degree of accuracy.
- Excellent IT skills, proficient in Excel and Word.
- Experience of maintaining financial records, budgets and case files.
- Experience of preparing financial reports and analysis for senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Understanding the need to comply with the councils' constitution, including its contract and financial procedures and regulations.
- Understanding and experience using data, financial information and performance measures to produce meaningful reports and evidence to support recommendations.
Your essential qualifications:
- Educated to A-level or equivalent.
- Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) Qualified or equivalent.
- Minimum of 3 years experience working in an accounting role within the public sector or property related environment.
If you have the following experience or qualifications it's a bonus:
- Knowledge of Concerto (Property Information Management System) and UNIT4 financial software would be an advantage.
- Experience of a complex property portfolio.
- Experience of debt management processes.
- Experience of implementing financial policies and procedures essential.
- Experience of writing reports and papers.
- Experience in handling internal and external audit processes and meeting audit requirements.
The benefits we offer:
- A basic 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 30 days after five years.
- You also have all the bank holidays to look forward to and time off between Christmas and New Year.
- Flexible working and annualised hours - a flexible approach to work that our employees love!
- Salary pay awards - most jobs give scope for a pay increase after six months or the following April (depending on your start date) and we also review salaries each April.
- A generous career average pension scheme which includes life insurance of three times your salary.
- The opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme (cheaper than directly through a store) so that you can cycle to work!
- Various schemes to keep you healthy (reduced gym membership, free swims, free eye tests for DSE users and more).
- We give you two days per year to volunteer within the local community.
- A range of resources, support, and activities to help you maintain your wellbeing including a monthly wellbeing hour in addition to annualised hours (the ability to work flexibly as long as, over the course of the year, you complete your contracted hours) and annual leave.
You may also have experience in the following: Senior Accountant, Accountant, Financial Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Financial Analyst, Audit Manager, Assistant Controller, Finance Manager, Financial Reporting Manager, Cost Accountant, Senior Internal Auditor, Finance Business Partner, Revenue Recognition Analyst, Senior Bookkeeper, Budget Analyst, etc.
Property Accounts Manager employer: South and Vale District Council
Contact Detail:
South and Vale District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Property Accounts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and procedures that govern public sector accounting. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and governance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the property and finance sectors, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in areas like data analysis and financial modelling. Being proficient in these tools can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to handle the financial reporting tasks required in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with property portfolios and any relevant software you've used, such as Concerto or UNIT4. Highlighting your familiarity with these systems can give you an edge during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Property Accounts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your accounting knowledge and experience relevant to the property sector. Emphasise your skills in financial analysis, reporting, and compliance with regulations, as these are crucial for the Property Accounts Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the councils' strategic goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage property accounts and provide financial advice effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as AAT certification and any other relevant training. If you have experience with specific financial software like Concerto or UNIT4, make sure to mention it, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Soft Skills: The job requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully worked with teams, negotiated with stakeholders, or communicated complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at South and Vale District Council
✨Showcase Your Accounting Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your strong all-round accounting knowledge during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific accounting principles and how they apply to property management, as this role requires a solid understanding of financial regulations and compliance.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The ability to collect, appraise, and analyse financial data is crucial for this position. Prepare examples of how you've successfully evaluated financial information in past roles, and be ready to explain how you would approach similar tasks in this job.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. You may be asked to present financial reports, so being able to convey complex information simply will be key.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of situations where you've had to troubleshoot financial issues or implement new policies. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
