Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Group Accountant, providing financial advice and support to our Budget Managers.
- Company: Bath & North East Somerset Council is dedicated to improving lives in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and a commitment to work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: You need a full professional accountancy qualification and advanced Excel skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for line management and career progression are available.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Bath & North East Somerset Council, our overriding purpose is to improve people’s lives.
We are seeking to permanently recruit a credible, experienced Group Accountant to provide financial advice and management account support to the organisation’s Budget Managers and Directors.
About The Role
You will be a ‘people person’ and a strong communicator, capable of building effective working relationships with Budget Managers, Heads of Service, and Directors. Your plain speaking will enable them to analyze their spending and forecasts, supporting them to deliver their Capital Project outcomes while working within their allocated budgets.
We are looking to appoint a Group Accountant to provide high-quality financial management in the following areas:
- Capital Budget monitoring and assurance
- Supporting the development of business cases and approvals for new initiatives
- Financial advice and support to Budget Managers
- Driving improvements in financial support to Project Managers
- Producing final accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, including disclosure notes and financial analysis
- Preparing and monitoring grant applications, claims, and returns, ensuring statutory compliance and responding to queries
- Financial controls and governance
This role offers opportunities for line management and development of a Career Grade Accountant, requiring the skills to fulfill this aspect of the role.
About You
You should possess a full professional accountancy qualification and significant experience in financial/accountancy services. You will have advanced Excel skills, experience with financial models, and excellent communication skills to explain technical accounting concepts. While team-oriented, you should also be comfortable working independently to meet tight deadlines.
Additional Information
If interested, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager Project Finance, at 01225 477022 or via email. The interview is scheduled for 26.08.2025.
No agencies please.
Note: BANES Council considers applications from individuals on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployees) ahead of external applicants if they meet the essential criteria.
About Bath & North East Somerset Council
Working here provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and positively impact residents’ lives. Our values guide how we deliver services and communicate with residents. We prioritize the best outcomes for local people.
Why Join Us?
We offer a range of benefits to ensure fair pay, work/life balance, and support. Learn more about our values and our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Group Accountant employer: Bath & North East Somerset Council
Contact Detail:
Bath & North East Somerset Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your communication skills during the interview. As a Group Accountant, you'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders, so be prepared to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information in the past.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Bath & North East Somerset Council's values and recent projects. This will not only show your genuine interest in the role but also help you align your answers with their mission to improve people's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Capital Budget monitoring and financial controls. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and ensured compliance with financial regulations in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this position, consider brushing up on your Excel capabilities before the interview. You might be asked to demonstrate your proficiency or discuss how you've used Excel in financial modelling and reporting.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Group Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your professional accountancy qualifications and any significant experience in financial management. Be sure to mention your advanced Excel skills and any relevant financial models you have worked with.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication abilities, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability as a 'people person'.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that reflects your understanding of Bath & North East Somerset Council's values and mission. Explain why you are passionate about contributing to the community and how you can support their financial goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bath & North East Somerset Council
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Group Accountant, you'll need to communicate complex financial concepts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully explained financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Expertise
Be ready to discuss your experience with capital budget monitoring and financial reporting standards. Highlight specific projects where you provided financial advice that led to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you had to analyse spending forecasts or improve financial support for project managers, and be prepared to explain your approach.
✨Emphasise Your Teamwork and Independence
While the role requires collaboration, it also demands the ability to work independently. Share examples of how you've balanced these aspects in previous roles, especially under tight deadlines.
