At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide proactive financial support and advice across various service areas.
- Company: Join Civic Recruitment Limited, a local authority in Hackney.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and coaching junior staff.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local government finance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management accounting and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Purpose
The Service Accountant will provide high-quality, proactive, and customer-focused financial support to a range of service areas within the organisation. The role will support budget management, financial planning, monitoring, and accounts closure processes while delivering informed financial advice, identifying financial risks, and supporting operational decision-making across the Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the delivery of the annual budget cycle, including budget setting, budget monitoring, and accounts closure for both capital and revenue budgets.
- Provide proactive financial advice, challenge, and guidance to budget holders and managers.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Produce accurate financial information, reports, statistical returns, and responses to information requests including Freedom of Information requests.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, controls, standing orders, accounting standards, and legislative requirements.
- Monitor financial performance and identify emerging financial risks and mitigation strategies.
- Support project work by providing financial expertise and analysis.
- Deputise for the Group Accountant when required, including supervision of Accountancy Assistants.
- Coach and support junior finance staff to develop technical knowledge and professional capability.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and maintain awareness of developments within local government finance.
Requirements
- Experience working within a customer-focused management accounting environment.
- Experience of budget setting, budget monitoring, and accounts closure processes across capital and revenue budgets.
- Experience supporting budget holders and delivering financial advice to operational services.
- Advanced spreadsheet and financial analysis skills.
- Understanding of local government finance and public sector services.
- Ability to analyse financial information, assess risks, and support decision-making.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience building positive relationships across internal and external stakeholder groups.
- Ability to work independently while recognising when issues require escalation.
- Fully qualified AAT, part-qualified CCAB, or equivalent experience within a large accounting environment.
Additional Information
- Hours per week: 36–37 hours (standard full-time)
- Location: London Borough of Hackney / hybrid working as required
Service Accountant in London employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Civic Recruitment Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the vibrant London Borough of Hackney. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide opportunities for growth through coaching and support, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers. Our culture prioritises collaboration and proactive financial management, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to local government finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Accountant in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Civic Recruitment Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Accountant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Civic Recruitment Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Civic Recruitment Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Civic Recruitment Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Civic Recruitment Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Civic Recruitment Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
