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: 6-month contract with potential for career growth in local government finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in management accounting and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
6 Month Contract With A Local Authority
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 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 focus on employee development and a commitment to delivering high-quality financial support, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our hybrid working model provides flexibility, while our dedication to public service ensures that your contributions have a meaningful impact on the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and local government regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to budget management and financial advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or analyses you've done. This will help demonstrate your advanced spreadsheet skills and ability to communicate complex financial information.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Accountant role. Highlight your experience in budget management and financial analysis, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your customer-focused approach and how you've supported budget holders in the past. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Financial Skills:We want to see your advanced spreadsheet and financial analysis skills shine through. Include any relevant tools or software you’ve used and how they’ve helped you in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Accountant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your knowledge of budget setting and monitoring processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed budgets or provided financial advice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of instances where you've had to break down financial information for non-financial stakeholders and be ready to share those stories.
✨Build Relationships
This position requires collaboration with various departments. Come prepared with examples of how you've built strong working relationships in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve worked closely with budget holders or external stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Stay Updated on Local Government Finance
Understanding the nuances of local government finance is crucial. Research recent developments in public sector finance and be ready to discuss how these might impact the role. Showing that you're proactive about staying informed will impress your interviewers.
