At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for a key service division and manage the annual budget cycle.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's innovative internal talent team, Connect2Hackney.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful civic leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence operational strategies and build relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local government finance while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or extensive accounting experience with management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council is looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Group Accountant to provide lead financial support to a critical service division. If you are a qualified or highly experienced finance professional looking for a role that combines technical excellence with impactful civic leadership, we want to hear from you!
The Role
As a Group Accountant, you will be the lead financial support role for an assigned service division, with a primary focus on management accounting. This is a high-profile PO8 position where you will act as a trusted advisor to senior management, helping to model budgets, identify savings, and shape alternative operational strategies. You will also take on a vital leadership role, managing a small, dedicated team to ensure they remain high-performing, customer-focused, and fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Budget Cycle: Oversee the accurate production of the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle - budget setting, budget monitoring, and accounts closing - across both capital and revenue for your division.
- Provide Strategic Advice: Deliver high-quality, informed financial advice to guide operational decision-making, and confidently challenge budget holders when necessary.
- People Management: Direct, manage, and develop a Service Accountant and an Accountancy Assistant, overseeing appraisals, 1:1s, and performance management.
- Financial Modeling & Projects: Work with senior managers to manipulate and model service budgets to identify service savings and provide crucial financial support to major projects and change programmes.
- Quality Assurance: Guarantee the integrity of all external financial communications, including committee reports, Freedom of Information requests, and statistical returns.
- Statutory Compliance: Apply relevant financial controls, standing orders, and the scheme of delegation, while upholding the responsibilities of the S151 Officer in day-to-day business.
- Deputise: Step up to deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a proactive collaborator who understands the complexities of working within a political local government environment. You should bring:
- Qualifications & Experience: Either at least two years of experience as a CCAB qualified accountant, OR five years of accounting experience that clearly demonstrates your management and supervisory capabilities.
- Local Government Expertise: An in-depth understanding of local government finance and proven experience coordinating the annual budget cycle within a local authority.
- Exceptional Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex financial data into clear information for non-financial staff at all levels.
- Relationship Building: A track record of building positive, trusted working relationships with budget holders, senior management, and external stakeholders.
Group Accountant - Housing and Regerenation in Hackney employer: Connect2Hackney
At Connect2Hackney, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values strategic thinking and civic leadership. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities for employees to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Hackney, we provide a supportive environment where finance professionals can thrive, contribute to vital public services, and enjoy a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - Housing and Regerenation in Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, 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 modelling skills and understanding the budget cycle inside out. We want you to showcase your expertise and how you can add value to Hackney Council!
✨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 enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Hackney Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Housing and Regerenation in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Accountant role. Highlight your experience in management accounting and any local government expertise you have. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 role. Share specific examples of how you've provided strategic financial advice or led a team, and don’t forget to show your passion for civic leadership.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into understandable information for non-financial staff.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to model budgets and identify savings.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of local government finance. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the unique challenges faced by local authorities. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, think about your leadership style and how you’ve developed others in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated your team and ensured high performance, as well as how you handle appraisals and performance management.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for translating complex financial data into understandable information. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, as you may need to do this for non-financial staff. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and provide strategic advice effectively.
