At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for a key service division and manage the annual budget cycle.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's internal talent team, dedicated to impactful civic leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic local government environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies that directly impact your community and lead 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 London 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, backed by a commitment to excellence and innovation in local government finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - Housing and Regerenation in London
✨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 knowledge of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how you can provide strategic advice and manage budgets effectively. We want to see your passion for civic leadership!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your people management skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or mentored others. Highlighting your ability to develop high-performing teams will set you apart from the competition.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Housing and Regerenation in London
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 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. Mention specific examples of how you've provided strategic financial advice or led a team, as these are key aspects of the position.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is crucial, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into understandable information!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at Connect2Hackney!
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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your people management experience. Think of instances where you've led a team through challenges, conducted appraisals, or developed team members. Highlight your approach to fostering a high-performing, customer-focused environment.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around statutory compliance and financial controls. This will show that you’re not just qualified, but also knowledgeable about the specific context of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms, as you’ll need to convey information to non-financial staff. Consider preparing a few scenarios where you've successfully communicated financial insights to diverse audiences.
