At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning, budget management, and year-end account closure in local government finance.
- Company: Join a Norfolk Authority dedicated to effective financial management and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £38,626 with hybrid or remote working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact in local finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified accountant with experience in local government finance and advanced Excel skills.
- Other info: Collaborate with budget managers and present financial data clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 34600 - 43150 £ per year.
Your new company Hays Accountancy & Finance are delighted to be partnering with a Norfolk Authority who have an exciting opportunity to work in local government finance, as they seek a skilled finance professional with a strong background in budgetary control and financial management.
Your new role You will provide expert accountancy and financial advisory support, covering the full financial cycle - from budget planning and monitoring to year-end account closure and financial return submissions. You will support the senior strategic finance business partner by actively contributing to the successful delivery of financial services within the business partner model adopted across the finance function, with a strong emphasis on medium-term financial planning. This role requires expertise in revenue and capital budget management, along with experience of using financial accounting systems to support strategic decision-making.
You will ideally have a proven track record of collaborating with budget and service managers, effectively linking operational and financial data to enhance planning and financial oversight. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role involves presenting financial information to non-finance managers in a clear and accessible manner.
Additional responsibilities include grant claims, statutory and statistical reporting, and budget compilation - covering both revenue and capital aspects. A key part of the role is ensuring compliance through detailed working papers and liaising with internal or external auditors. A deep understanding of local authority finance, budget production, and management accountancy is required, alongside an up-to-date knowledge of financial accounting standards and legislation to maintain accuracy and best practices in financial reporting.
What you’ll need to succeed Ideally, you will be part or fully qualified accountant with experience of local government finance or relevant sector skills regarding the production of financial reporting across revenue/income and capital budgetary control. You will be confident with advanced Excel to review financial data to produce and present complex information to budget holders and external customers. Therefore, confident finance business partnering skills are essential along with a strong focus on medium-term financial planning.
What you’ll get in return The organisation offers a generous overall benefits package with a salary of £38,626 based in Norwich who also offer hybrid working or remote working for the right candidate with local government experience in revenue and capital budgeting.
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Finance Analyst / Financial Accountant employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst / Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local government finance regulations and standards. Understanding the specific financial frameworks and compliance requirements will give you an edge in discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially advanced functions that are relevant to financial analysis. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in handling complex data will be crucial during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in budget management and financial reporting. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with non-financial managers to enhance financial oversight.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in local government finance. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst / Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in budgetary control and financial management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in local government finance and your ability to collaborate with budget and service managers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications for the Finance Analyst / Financial Accountant role. Emphasise your strong communication skills and your experience in presenting financial information to non-finance managers.
Showcase Technical Skills: Highlight your proficiency in advanced Excel and any financial accounting systems you have used. Provide examples of how you've utilised these skills to support strategic decision-making and enhance financial oversight.
Demonstrate Knowledge of Local Authority Finance: In your application, mention your understanding of local authority finance, budget production, and management accountancy. This will show that you are well-versed in the specific requirements of the role and can ensure compliance with financial standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgetary control and financial management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed revenue and capital budgets, as this will demonstrate your capability in handling the responsibilities of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be presenting financial information to non-finance managers, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to bridge the gap between finance and operational teams, which is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Authority Finance
Research the specific financial regulations and standards that apply to local government finance. Being knowledgeable about these will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to understanding the sector.
✨Demonstrate Advanced Excel Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used advanced Excel functions in previous roles. You might even want to bring examples of reports or analyses you've created, as this will illustrate your technical skills and ability to handle financial data effectively.