At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, provide financial advice, and ensure effective resource management.
- Company: Local authority focused on community development and financial efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable contract, and a chance to make a difference in the community.
- Other info: Onsite work required 4 days a week in Basildon, Essex.
- Why this job: Join a vital role that impacts local governance and financial decision-making.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or higher, with experience in local authority finance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
- 6-month contract with a local authority
- Summary
- The Senior Accountant will play a pivotal role within a local authority on a 6-month contract.
This position is crucial for budget preparation, financial reporting, capital and revenue accounting, and the production of statutory accounts.
The role involves providing high-quality financial advice to budget holders and senior management, supporting informed decision-making, driving financial performance, and ensuring the efficient and effective management of the Council's financial resources.
Responsibilities
- Support the annual budget-setting process by preparing budget estimates in line with corporate guidance and deadlines.
- Monitor revenue and capital budgets, identifying variances, efficiencies, and financial pressures.
- Provide budgetary control and financial performance reporting to senior management and service managers.
- Work closely with budget holders to ensure effective financial planning and resource management.
- Support the development and delivery of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
Essential Experience Required
- Minimum 3 years' experience working within a Local Authority finance environment.
- Experience in financial accounting, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.
- Experience supporting the preparation of annual accounts and statutory returns.
Essential Qualifications Required
- AAT Qualified or higher professional accounting qualification.
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
- GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics.
- Additional Information
- Working hours: 36.25 hours per week.
- Office location: Basildon, Essex.
- Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to be onsite a minimum of 4 days per week.
- We work on a bi-weekly schedule.
The role closes on 29th August 2026, apply ASAP.
Senior Accountant in Basildon employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic leadership in the Special Educational Needs service can truly make a difference in children's lives. With a strong focus on collaboration and professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to meaningful outcomes in the Bromley community. The supportive culture and commitment to high-quality services make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to lead impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant in Basildon
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited 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 Senior Accountant in Basildon
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 Civic Recruitment Limited 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 Civic Recruitment Limited. 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 Civic Recruitment Limited confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨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 Civic Recruitment Limited 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.
