Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget managers and provide financial advice across various service areas.
- Company: Join a Local Authority dedicated to community welfare and effective governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with one day on-site and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or extensive local government experience preferred.
- Other info: Immediate start available; perfect for those looking to jump into a rewarding role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Due to some internal moves, a Local Authority currently has a need for 3 Interim Service Accountants to work across the following service areas:
- Children's Social Care
- Education/DSG
- Adult's Social Care
You will report into the relevant Finance Business Partner for the relevant service area.
Role:
- Build and maintain successful working relationships with budget holders in the Directorate in order to act as a 'critical friend' by providing support, advice and challenge to support the strategic and operational decision-making function of the service.
- Manage and train the service finance team to promote a customer service culture and effectively deliver the agreed service plan delegated to the post holder.
- Produce or assist in producing financial advice and support to elected Members, Corporate Directors, senior managers, budget managers, and colleagues within the Finance Division to the highest professional standards and within prescribed timescales.
- Coordinate the detailed revenue and capital budget preparation for the relevant service in line with the corporate timetable and process.
- Provide advice and guidance to budget managers in setting their detailed budgets and understanding their cost drivers.
- Undertake more in-depth budget reviews for complex, high risk, or volatile budgets.
- Support budget managers to fulfil their budget management responsibilities.
Ideally CCAB qualified or have extensive local government experience in either of the above service areas. Hybrid working with 1 day a week on site. Looking for a start within the next month.
Contact Detail:
MLC Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Service Accountants
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people already working in the sector. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and frameworks that govern local authorities. Being knowledgeable about these can set you apart during discussions with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and providing financial advice. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported decision-making processes, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships with budget holders. Be ready to explain how you've previously acted as a 'critical friend' in your past roles, as this is a key aspect of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Service Accountants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly within local government or the specified service areas. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your suitability.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the specific requirements of the role. Mention your experience with budget management and your ability to build relationships with budget holders, as these are key aspects of the position.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: If you are CCAB qualified or have extensive experience in local government, make this clear in your application. Highlight any specific training or certifications that relate to financial management.
Demonstrate Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills and ability to provide support and advice. Mention any experience you have in training or managing teams, as this is important for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MLC Partners
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Interim Service Accountant. Familiarise yourself with the specific service areas mentioned, such as Children's Social Care and Adult's Social Care, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves building relationships with budget holders, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders. Highlight how you acted as a 'critical friend' to support decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with budget preparation and management. Prepare to explain how you've handled complex budgets in the past, particularly in high-risk or volatile situations, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the current challenges faced by the finance team or how they measure success in the role. It shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
