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 developing 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 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 projects, manage teams, and engage in strategic decision-making within a collaborative culture that values innovation and civic responsibility. Located in the vibrant borough of Hackney, this role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to contribute to the local government’s mission of delivering high-quality services to residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Group Accountant — Local Government Budgets Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to get your name out there. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and its financial strategies. Show us you understand their challenges and how you can contribute. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience with budget cycles and management accounting.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Group Accountant, you'll need to explain complex financial data clearly. Get a friend to quiz you on financial concepts and practice translating them into layman's terms.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Group Accountant — Local Government Budgets Leader
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 this is what we’re really looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to showcase your personality and passion for civic leadership. Tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Group Accountant role and how you can make an impact.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key, include examples of how you've translated complex financial data for non-financial staff. We want to see your ability to connect with different audiences!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application.
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 Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the local government environment, especially Hackney Council's structure and challenges. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can navigate the complexities of working within a political framework.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed team members, handled performance management, and fostered a high-performing culture. Highlight your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. Be ready to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated with non-financial staff and built relationships with stakeholders. This will show your ability to be a trusted advisor.
