At a Glance
- Tasks: Support migration programmes with financial monitoring and reporting.
- Company: Bracknell Forest Council, a stable and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to high-quality financial support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in public services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or relevant experience in finance administration.
The predicted salary is between 31768 - 37334 £ per year.
£31,768 - £37,334 per year inclusive of London Weighting
Location: Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working)
Contract: Temporary
Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 04/09/2026 at 23:59
Reference: RS/26/343484
Join our Finance Team and help make a difference in supporting communities through the council’s Migration Service. We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Officer to provide dedicated financial support across a range of migration programmes, including Homes for Ukraine (HfU) and the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP). The role is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for 12 months.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office 1 to 2 days per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About you...
As a Finance Officer, you will be part AAT qualified or qualified through relevant experience, with the knowledge and expertise to support the delivery of a high-quality and effective finance function. In this varied and rewarding role, you will play a key part in monitoring grant funding, preparing government returns, and ensuring accurate and timely payments. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Migration Services and Education, you will help maintain robust financial processes, deliver clear financial reporting and support the effective use of funding to achieve positive outcomes for residents. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong financial administration skills who enjoys working collaboratively and making a meaningful contribution to public services. You will be a team player with strong organisational skills, excellent communication and confident in using various ICT tools. You will also have experience with different functionalities on Microsoft Excel.
About the team...
You will join a friendly, collaborative and fast-paced Accountancy Team to specifically support our Migration Service within the council. We are known for our professional approach and strong commitment to delivering high-quality financial support. You will work closely with experienced colleagues and report to the Senior Accountancy Officer.
Key responsibilities...
- Prepare and submit accurate and timely government returns for HfU and ARP schemes.
- Monitor and track expenditure across the HfU and ARP programs, producing regular financial reports, highlighting variances, trends, and risks.
- Administer HfU “Thank You” payments to hosts accurately and on time.
- Manage ARP tariff funding, including Integration and Education tariffs, by liaising with receiving Local Authorities to agree tariff arrangements and processing payments whilst ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place.
- Calculate and allocate education tariff funding to Bracknell Forest schools, ensuring allocations are in line with government guidance and local processes. Work with education colleagues and schools to resolve funding queries.
25 days annual leave increasing to 28 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days. Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover. Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply) Career development through internal and external training opportunities. Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing. Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment. Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer. This means that if you tell us on your application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Interview date: Interviews will be held on 16th September 2026. Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment. We will be reviewing applications regularly and reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
Please note AI is prohibited during the interview, any candidate using AI will be withdrawn from consideration.
Want to ask us a question? For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact: Tel.: 01344 351278. Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. This role is not eligible for a sponsored work visa as it does not meet current Home Office sponsorship criteria. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Finance Officer - Migration Team (Fixed Term Contract 1 year) (pay award pending) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, and opportunities for career development, the Finance Officer role in the Migration Team allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and continuous learning, all within the vibrant community of Bracknell.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer - Migration Team (Fixed Term Contract 1 year) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Bracknell Forest Council might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer - Migration Team (Fixed Term Contract 1 year) (pay award pending) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Bracknell Forest Council will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Bracknell Forest Council. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Bracknell Forest Council confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Bracknell Forest Council.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Bracknell Forest Council that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.