At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for a service division, focusing on management accounting and budget cycles.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's internal talent team, dedicated to impactful civic leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a difference in local government.
- Other info: Opportunity to build relationships and influence decision-making at senior management levels.
- Why this job: Shape operational strategies and lead a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or extensive accounting experience with local government expertise.
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 Finance in London employer: Connect2Hackney
Connect2Hackney, as part of Hackney Council, offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where finance professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the community. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from opportunities to lead teams, engage in strategic decision-making, and contribute to vital civic projects. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and encourages a proactive approach to local government finance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking to advance their careers in a rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Group Accountant – Local Government Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government finance and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and its financial strategies. Show us that you understand their challenges and how your skills can help tackle them. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in management accounting and budget cycles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Group Accountant, you'll need to explain complex financial data clearly. Get comfortable discussing your past experiences in a way that non-financial staff can easily grasp.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Hackney Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Group Accountant – Local Government Finance 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 these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
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. Mention your qualifications, experience, and how you can contribute to our team at Hackney Council.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is crucial for this role, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into understandable terms.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around local government finance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets or identified savings in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person, but someone who can apply that knowledge strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, think of examples where you've successfully led others. Prepare to discuss how you’ve motivated your team, handled performance management, and ensured high standards. This will demonstrate your capability as a leader in a financial context.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present financial data to non-financial staff, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Use examples from your past where you’ve had to break down financial information for different audiences.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local government environment and current issues facing Hackney Council. Being able to discuss how these factors impact financial decision-making will show that you’re not only qualified but also engaged and proactive about the role’s context.
