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- Tasks: Join our Finance Team as a Financial Accountant, managing the Collection Fund and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils serve 190,000 residents, creating vibrant communities in beautiful Suffolk.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, a competitive pension scheme, wellbeing support, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture.
- Qualifications: You need to be a CCAB qualified Accountant with experience in local government finance and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; we value diversity and are committed to equality.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 43000 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils are looking for a Financial Accountant to join our Finance Team. To be successful, you will share our values, commitment and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented and proactive Financial Accountant to take ownership of the Councils Collection Fund. This is a pivotal role within the Financial Control Team, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of council tax and business rates, and supporting strategic financial planning. You will be responsible for managing the end-to-end accounting processes for the Collection Fund, including forecasting, reconciliation, and liaison with precepting authorities. You will work with stakeholders to enable accurate forecasting of the Collection Fund and ensure figures are accounted for monthly in the management report pack. Your expert financial advice will be critical on business cases, reviewing appraisals and cash flows and ensuring these are built into the Councils cash flow model.
You will:
- be a professionally qualified (CCAB) Accountant with relevant Financial Accounting experience
- have experience of working on the Collection fund for Council Tax and Business Rates
- have worked within local government finance or supported service teams within the public sector or a similar discipline
- be detail orientated and have strong analytical skills
- be comfortable in Business Partnering and able to communicate effectively with stakeholders to obtain relevant information to inform forecasting
- be highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
- be a team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
About us
Working together across our Councils and with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk. We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. With picturesque market towns, 60 conservation areas and with two National Landscapes within our districts, it is little wonder that we are consistently within the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits of working for us
- Great opportunities for learning and development.
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support Program
- Employee Assist Program
- Health Care Options
Our ways of working
Work is what we do, not where we go! We are committed to working in a more Hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business needs permitting). This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils provide opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.
For more information
If you wish to discuss the Hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please contact David Feveyear-Ward by emailing to arrange a conversation. Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5pm, 9 July 2025.
When applying, please ensure:
- that you complete the application form as fully as possible with your employment and educational history as shortlisting will be based upon the application form and supporting statement only.
- your statement indicates how you meet each of the criteria in the ‘Person Profile’ section of the Job Description/Person Specification.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Financial Accountant, Ipswich employer: What Jobs
Contact Detail:
What Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant, Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Collection Fund processes specific to local government. Understanding how council tax and business rates are managed will give you a significant edge in discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government finance. Engaging with current or former employees can provide insights into the role and the culture at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills and Microsoft Office proficiency, particularly Excel. Being able to demonstrate your ability to analyse financial data and create reports will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in business partnering. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated with stakeholders to gather information, as this is a key aspect of the Financial Accountant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant, Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Financial Accountant position. Make notes on key skills and experiences that align with your background.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in financial accounting, particularly with Collection Funds for Council Tax and Business Rates. Emphasise your qualifications and any local government finance experience.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly address how you meet each criterion in the Person Profile section. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Review and Edit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and accuracy. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your application reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the values of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key metrics related to council tax and business rates, and be prepared to discuss how you would manage the Collection Fund effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role requires effective communication with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with others in previous roles, particularly in local government finance or similar sectors, to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the detail-oriented nature of this position, be ready to discuss specific instances where your analytical skills have led to accurate forecasting or reconciliation. Highlight any tools or methods you use to ensure precision in your work.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Be prepared to share experiences that showcase your ability to work as part of a team, especially in a hybrid working environment. Discuss how you adapt to different working styles and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
