Group Accountant

Group Accountant

Bristol Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Bath and North East Somerset Council

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 aims to improve lives and serve the community effectively.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in a diverse workplace.
  • Qualifications: You need a full professional accountancy qualification and advanced Excel skills.
  • Other info: We welcome applications for part-time and flexible working arrangements.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

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At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve people’s lives.

We are looking 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’, a strong communicator who can easily build an effective working relationship with Budget Managers, Heads of Service and Directors. Plain talking, you will enable them to analyse their spending and forecasts to support them to deliver their Capital Project outcomes whilst working within their allocated budget.

We are seeking to appoint a Group Accountant to provide a high level of quality financial management in relation to the following functional 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 the way we provide financial support to Project Managers
  • Produce final accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards including the production of disclosure notes and supplementary financial analysis
  • Prepare and monitor all relevant grant applications, claims and returns in consultation with relevant services and Government departments ensuring full compliance with all statutory and other requirements and respond to queries on behalf of the Service
  • Financial controls and governance

This role offers the opportunity of line management and development of a Career Grade Accountant, and as such you will possess the skills needed to fulfil this part of your role.

About you:

You should have a full professional accountancy qualification with significant experience in financial/accountancy services.

You will have advanced Excel skills and have experience of financial models. You will also have excellent communication skills to explain technical accounting concepts. Whilst you enjoy working in a team, you will also be comfortable working on your own to meet tight deadlines.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager Project Finance on 01225 477022 or email (emailprotected)

Interview date: Wednesday 30th July 2025.

No agencies please.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath & North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose to improve peoples live. Find out more about our values at

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at

We are a Disability Confident Employer find out more at

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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Group Accountant employer: Bath and North East Somerset Council

Bath & North East Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to improving the lives of its residents. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, diversity, and inclusion, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. As a Group Accountant, you will play a vital role in shaping financial strategies while enjoying the opportunity to mentor others, all within a community-focused environment.
Bath and North East Somerset Council

Contact Detail:

Bath and North East Somerset Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Accountant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Bath & North East Somerset Council's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to improving people's lives will help you align your communication and approach during the interview, showcasing how your skills can contribute to their goals.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to discuss your experience in financial management, particularly in capital budget monitoring and assurance. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've supported budget managers in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the role effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with financial models during your discussions. Being able to articulate how you've used these skills to drive improvements in financial support will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 4

Since the role involves line management, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share examples of how you've developed team members or managed projects, as this will show your readiness for the responsibilities that come with the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant

Professional Accountancy Qualification
Advanced Excel Skills
Financial Modelling
Communication Skills
Budget Management
Capital Budget Monitoring
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Financial Analysis
Grant Application Management
Statutory Compliance
Team Collaboration
Deadline Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Line Management Experience
Stakeholder Engagement

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. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with what Bath & North East Somerset Council is looking for.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in financial management, particularly in capital budget monitoring and financial advice. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with Budget Managers and Directors.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Mention your professional accountancy qualification and advanced Excel skills, and explain how you can contribute to improving financial support within the council.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented to make a strong impression.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bath and 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 manage tight deadlines, and be prepared to explain your thought process.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership

Since this role involves line management, share experiences where you've led a team or mentored others. Discuss how you foster collaboration and support within a team environment.

Group Accountant
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Location: Bristol
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