At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial systems strategy and enhance reporting capabilities for the Council.
- Company: Join the ambitious London Borough of Havering, committed to innovation and transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and extensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive environment welcoming diverse candidates; significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial management and shape the future of local governance.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with strong financial systems experience.
The predicted salary is between 68571 - 76032 £ per year.
As the Council's strategic lead for financial systems, you will be responsible for defining and delivering the business outcomes supported by the Council's key financial applications and associated reporting tools. You will maintain oversight of the wider financial systems architecture, ensuring the integrity of financial data across multiple systems and interfaces.
You will work collaboratively across directorates to strengthen financial management, improve reporting capability and ensure that systems support effective governance, risk management and accountability. The role combines technical financial expertise with strategic leadership, helping the Council to modernise processes, automate workflows and maximise the value of its financial systems investment.
You will also lead the development of financial reporting and dashboards, drive system enhancements, oversee testing and implementation of upgrades and ensure new systems and processes contain appropriate financial controls. This role offers the opportunity to influence significant transformation programmes while helping to build a modern, data-driven finance function for the future.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a technically strong and innovative finance professional who can combine accounting expertise with a passion for systems, data and transformation.
Essential Requirements
- Fully qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with evidence of continuing professional development.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and month-end and year-end financial processes.
- Experience in the implementation, development or enhancement of financial systems, including process design, testing and deployment.
- Experience of working with both finance professionals and technical specialists to translate business requirements into system solutions.
- Demonstrable experience of data analysis, reconciliations and resolving data integrity and systems issues.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, innovative solutions.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Experience of leading change, continuous improvement initiatives and system optimisation projects.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience of working within local government or another complex public sector environment.
- Knowledge and experience of Oracle Fusion, Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service (PBCS) and Civica Income Management.
- Experience developing financial dashboards, management information and business intelligence reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Council's strategic lead for financial systems, defining business outcomes and reporting requirements.
- Develop and implement the Council's financial systems strategy, ensuring systems support effective financial management and decision-making.
- Maintain oversight of financial systems architecture, interfaces and data flows, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
- Lead the development of financial reporting, dashboards and analytics to support financial planning, statutory reporting and corporate decision-making.
- Design, test and implement effective financial controls within systems and business processes.
- Work closely with service departments, ICT and transformation teams to ensure systems align with organisational priorities and future service delivery requirements.
- Lead user acceptance testing and sign-off procedures for financial system changes and upgrades.
- Manage system development backlogs and prioritise enhancements that deliver the greatest organisational value.
- Ensure financial data structures, coding hierarchies and chart of accounts arrangements remain accurate and fit for purpose.
- Lead programmes to improve data quality, resolve system issues and strengthen reporting capability.
- Support year-end accounts production, external audit requirements and statutory returns.
- Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve efficiency and modernise financial operations.
- Coach and support finance colleagues in the effective use of financial systems and reporting tools.
- Play a leading role in developing a modern, data-driven and digitally enabled finance function.
Why Havering?
Working for Havering means joining an ambitious and forward-thinking Council committed to delivering excellent services for residents while embracing innovation and transformation. We offer:
- A supportive and inclusive working environment guided by our ICARE values
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Extensive learning and professional development opportunities
- A comprehensive health, wellbeing and employee support programme
- The opportunity to influence major transformation initiatives and help shape the future of financial management across the Council.
- A visible and impactful role working with senior leaders across finance, digital and transformation services.
We're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve.
How to Apply
For more information about the position, please click Job Profile. Please attach your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) explaining how your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements of the role.
Closing Date: 29 November 2026
For recruitment enquiries regarding the role, please email Talent@havering.gov.uk, quoting REF 4294 Systems Accountant in the subject line. The hiring manager will be available for informal discussions about the role. Please contact Heather Salmon, Head of Finance (Financial Control) at Heather.Salmon@havering.gov.uk.
Additional Information
The recruitment process may include a range of assessment activities, including interviews, presentations, technical assessments and stakeholder engagement exercises.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering.
The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Havering is a Disability Confident employer – candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Internal candidates and redeployees will be given priority consideration. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Systems Accountant in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in a vibrant community where your expertise is valued, and together we can create positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Systems Accountant in Romford
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Borough of Havering. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Borough of Havering.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Borough of Havering. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Accountant in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Borough of Havering and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Borough of Havering how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Borough of Havering.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Borough of Havering's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
