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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and management for impactful projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Coventry City Council, committed to diversity and community-focused service.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, professional development, and opportunities to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team and shape the future of Coventry's services.
- Qualifications: Qualified Chartered Accountant with experience in challenging financial environments.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for underrepresented groups and support for applicants with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Jobs and careers with Coventry City Council
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
Our Values are:
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
About the team we are recruiting to
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.
We are a dynamic Financial Management Team responsible for providing a diverse range of functions to drive the Council to fulfil its transformational journey. We deliver the full range of financial management and accounting services to facilitate effective delivery of services to support the people of Coventry and deliver projects which are redefining the infrastructure of the city.
Working flexibly with internal officers and external partners we aim to ensure finance is at the heart of everything that the Council does.
The organisation has a high expectation of our service, and we will continue to support and develop our staff to have the skills to deliver a quality service.
What is the job role?
Are you passionate about public service? Coventry is forward-thinking and a community-focused City, and we are looking for experienced finance professionals with the technical skills and enthusiasm to take lead roles in our Finance Team.
There are two roles available, the first in our Major Projects Team and the second in our Children’s & Education Services Team.
As a Lead Accountant, you will:
- Act as a primary financial business link with service leads and provide strategic financial support and advice to enable effective financial planning and management. You collaborate with your service area and the wider Council to explore challenges and identify opportunities, create initiatives that will financially benefit the Council and become a proactive and supportive financial advisor.
- Support the strategic vision of the One Coventry Plan, through reviewing new proposals and undertaking formal investment appraisals to assess the financial viability of future projects and initiatives.
- Contribute to the financial management and provision of advice to large projects from both a capital and revenue perspective to support the city’s transformational ambitions.
- Lead the production of management reports driven by the Annual Financial Cycle, including budget monitoring, final accounts and budget setting whilst ensuring these meet professional standards.
- In addition, you will be providing expert financial guidance for several strategic initiatives and programme boards.
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CCAB or CIMA) with experience of working in a challenging financial environment who can:
- Work strategically with various stakeholders including directors, service managers, auditors, and external partners to build, maintain and promote effective working relationships.
- Work effectively under pressure including meeting unpredictable deadlines and dealing with conflicting demands.
- Develop and interpret complex financial models to inform financial analysis and subsequently present a compelling rationale for the recommended options in the form of reports and presentations.
- Promote value for money and efficiency throughout all areas of the Council’s operation and to look for commercial opportunities and innovation both in the operation of the finance function and in the activities of relevant service areas / projects.
We value and respect the diversity of our team and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities. Currently, within our middle-management team, people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, and as a result, we would like to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to apply for this post.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability or who are neurodiverse.
If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme – As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process, please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled \’Coventry City Council Application Process\’. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
Interview dates: 22nd-23rd October 2025
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.
We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
We are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.
- Job Reference coventrycc/TP/130083/11597
- Contract Type Full Time Permanent
- Closing Date 12 October, 2025
- Job Category Finance
- Business Unit Finance & Corporate Services
- Location One Friargate, Station Square, Coventry, United Kingdom (Incl. Northern Ireland)
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Lead Accountant employer: Coventry City
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Accountant
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend local events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Don’t be shy to reach out for informational interviews. It’s a great way to learn about the company culture and what they really value. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role and can help you stand out when applying!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get that interview, make sure to highlight your strategic thinking and financial expertise. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to financial success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Remember, applying through our website gives you a direct line to us! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our dynamic team at Coventry City Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Public Service: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for public service shine through. Mention specific experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of Lead Accountant at Coventry City Council.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure your message is easily understood. Remember, we want to see your qualifications without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of complex financial models you've developed and how they informed decision-making.
✨Embrace the Values
Coventry City Council values inclusivity and collaboration. Familiarise yourself with their One Coventry Values and think about how you can embody these in your responses. Share experiences where you've nurtured diverse perspectives or engaged with various stakeholders to achieve a common goal.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills under pressure. Think of situations where you've had to meet tight deadlines or manage conflicting demands. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Show Your Passion for Public Service
Coventry is looking for candidates who are passionate about making a difference in the community. Be prepared to discuss why public service matters to you and how your role as a Lead Accountant can contribute to the city's transformational journey. Authenticity goes a long way!