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 overarching purpose is to improve people\’s lives.
We are seeking to permanently recruit a credible, experienced Group Accountant to provide financial advice and management accounting 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 approach will enable them to analyze their spending and forecasts, supporting the delivery of their Capital Project outcomes 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
- Providing 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 in compliance with statutory requirements, and responding to queries on behalf of the Service
- Financial controls and governance
This role offers opportunities for line management and the development of a Career Grade Accountant, requiring the skills to fulfill these responsibilities.
About You
You should possess a full professional accountancy qualification and have significant experience in financial/accountancy services. Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial models are essential. You will also have excellent communication skills to explain technical accounting concepts. While team-oriented, you should be comfortable working independently to meet tight deadlines.
If interested and seeking more details or a discussion about the role, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager Project Finance at 01225 477022 or via email.
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). Redeployees expressing interest will be considered ahead of external applicants if they meet the essential criteria.
About Bath & North East Somerset Council
Working at Bath & North East Somerset offers an opportunity to contribute to your community and positively impact residents’ lives. Our values shape our service delivery and communication, emphasizing the best outcomes for local people.
Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits to ensure fair compensation, work/life balance, and support. Find out 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.
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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.