At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, reporting, and governance for the Surrey Pension Fund.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Connect2Surrey, part of a joint venture with Surrey County Council.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in financial leadership during a crucial period for the pension fund.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong public-sector finance experience.
- Other info: Immediate start with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Surrey Pension Fund is seeking an experienced Senior Financial Accountant to provide high-calibre financial leadership during a key period. You will take operational ownership of fund accounting, reporting, controls, budgeting and senior stakeholder engagement, ensuring business-as-usual continuity and supporting the year-end cycle. This is a hands-on, delivery-focused assignment ideal for a seasoned contractor with strong LGPS/public-sector pensions finance experience.
Key Deliverables
- Financial Controls & Governance - ensure robust reconciliations, controls, compliance and risk management.
- Budgeting & Forecasting - manage the Surrey Pension Team budget and Fund forecasts.
- Cashflow & Banking Operations - oversee all income, banking transactions, allocations and KPIs.
- Pension Fund Accounts & Annual Report - oversee preparation, accuracy and audit readiness.
- Reporting & Insight - draft and present high-quality financial reports for Committee/Board and senior leadership.
- Team Leadership - oversee a small team, providing direction, prioritisation and support.
- Deputise for Head of Pensions - Resources when required.
Essential Experience
- Fully qualified accountant: ACA / ACCA / CIPFA
- Strong LGPS or public-sector finance experience
- High proficiency with financial systems, data analysis, modelling and reconciliation
- Proven ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information
- Leadership & Delivery track record of successfully leading finance teams or functions
- Ability to stabilise, organise and improve BAU activities
- Clear, confident communication with senior boards and committees
- Strong stakeholder management across finance, investments, auditors and external partners
- Highly organised, proactive, independent and delivery-driven
Ideal Contractor Profile
- Immediately available or short notice
- Comfortable stepping into a senior role with autonomy
- Skilled at stabilising workloads, improving clarity, and driving outcomes quickly
- Confident presenting financial insights to non-finance audiences
Locations
Senior Financial Accountant in Surrey, Woking employer: Connect2Surrey
Contact Detail:
Connect2Surrey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Accountant in Surrey, Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those with experience in LGPS or public-sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial controls and governance knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in the past. We want to see you shine when it comes to presenting financial insights!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you've led finance teams before, share specific examples of how you stabilised workloads and improved processes. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running in a senior role.
✨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 are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Accountant in Surrey, Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Senior Financial Accountant role. Highlight your LGPS or public-sector finance experience and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIPFA. We want to see how your skills match 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. Mention your experience with financial controls, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. Let us know how you can hit the ground running!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves overseeing a small team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams or functions in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and guide others!
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 us you’re keen and ready to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Surrey
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial controls and governance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves overseeing a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams in the past. Highlight your ability to provide direction and support, as well as any strategies you've used to stabilise workloads and improve clarity.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to present financial insights to non-finance audiences, so practice explaining complex financial information in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your experience with stakeholder management and reporting to senior boards and committees effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risk. Prepare for scenarios related to cashflow management or compliance issues, and think through how you would approach these challenges based on your past experiences.