At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for local government budgets and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Join Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and impactful civic leadership.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while advancing your finance career.
- 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.
Strategic Group Accountant — Local Government Budgets Leader in London employer: Connect2Hackney
At Connect2Hackney, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values civic leadership and community impact. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering opportunities for training and development while ensuring a supportive environment for our employees. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, you will be part of a dedicated team that plays a crucial role in shaping local government finances, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Group Accountant — Local Government Budgets Leader in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and its financial strategies. Understand their budget cycles and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Group Accountant, you’ll need to explain complex financial data clearly. Grab a friend or family member and try explaining some financial concepts to them. If they get it, you’re on the right track!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Group Accountant — Local Government Budgets Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in local government finance and management accounting, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the Group Accountant 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 where possible. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into understandable information for all 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. 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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of instances where you've developed team members or improved performance. Highlight your experience with appraisals and how you foster a high-performing environment.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated the budget cycle in previous roles and how you can apply that knowledge to Hackney Council. This will show your understanding of the political landscape and its impact on financial decisions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. You might be asked to present information to non-financial staff, so think about how you can make your points clear and engaging. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and trust with stakeholders.
