At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for a service division, focusing on management accounting and budget cycles.
- Company: Join Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council.
- 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 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.
Strategic Group Accountant – Local Government Finance 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 enhance their skills and advance their careers within local government finance. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and encourages strategic thinking, making it an excellent place for those looking to contribute to civic leadership and public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Group Accountant – Local Government Finance
✨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. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hackney Council and understanding their financial strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around budget cycles and management accounting.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your past roles, highlight instances where you managed teams or projects successfully. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and develop others, which is key for this position.
✨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 Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Accountant role. Highlight your experience in local government finance and management accounting, as well as any relevant qualifications. 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 this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in financial modelling and team management that demonstrate your strategic thinking.
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 terms!
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
Before the interview, brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around local government finance. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and provided strategic advice in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, prepare to talk about your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully developed team members or improved performance. Highlighting your people management experience will demonstrate that you can lead effectively in a high-profile position.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey information to non-financial staff, so being able to break down data into digestible pieces is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your communication skills.
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local government environment and current issues facing Hackney Council. Being able to discuss these topics will show that you understand the complexities of the role and are prepared to navigate them effectively as a trusted advisor.
