At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budgeting, financial reporting, and provide advice to managers at Runnymede Borough Council.
- Company: Join a local authority with a commitment to community service and financial integrity.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, hybrid working, and valuable experience in public sector finance.
- Other info: 28-week contract with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while honing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
28 weeks contract role with a Local Authority.
Temporary part‑time Accountant role within Financial Services at Runnymede Borough Council, responsible for supporting service accounting functions including budget setting, financial reporting, and providing financial advice to managers and stakeholders. The role ensures accurate financial management, compliance with regulations, and effective budgetary control across a range of council services.
Key Duties/Accountabilities:
- Prepare and support annual service budgets in collaboration with Budget Managers.
- Produce final accounts and ensure accurate financial reporting in line with closing schedules.
- Monitor and analyse budget performance, identifying and reporting variances.
- Support development and maintenance of effective budgetary control systems.
- Assist Senior Accountants with ledger control, reconciliations, and year‑end processes.
- Provide financial advice and guidance to Members and service managers.
- Contribute to reports, including resource implications and financial commentary.
- Complete statutory and non‑statutory financial returns within required deadlines.
- Raise invoices and recover income from third parties in line with agreements.
- Support project work, working groups, and financial evaluations.
Skills/Experience:
- Experience in local government or public sector finance (desirable).
- Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Experience preparing final accounts and year‑end processes.
- Ability to analyse financial data and identify trends/variances.
- Knowledge of financial management systems.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
- Ability to work with stakeholders and provide clear financial advice.
- Good organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
- Understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements.
Temporary role for 28 weeks. Hybrid working: 2 days remote, 3 days office‑based (Addlestone, Surrey).
Accountant in Surrey employer: Civic Recruitment Limited
Contact Detail:
Civic Recruitment Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding of budgeting processes. We recommend practising common interview questions related to financial reporting and compliance to show you're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that accountant gig! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for talent like yours.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accountant role. Highlight your experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and any local government work you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this temporary role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance that relate to the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to mention any experience you have providing financial advice to stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civic Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed budgets or prepared final accounts.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key duties of the Accountant role at Runnymede Borough Council. Think about how your skills align with their needs, particularly in areas like ledger control and financial advice to stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Prepare by thinking through past experiences where you identified variances or improved budgetary controls, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves providing financial advice to managers and stakeholders, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for the position.