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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and budgeting for high-profile service areas.
- Company: Cumberland Council aims to improve public services and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to shape a new authority.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public finance and help drive positive change.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified with experience in public sector accounting and budget management.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 65873 - 68775 £ per year.
Group Accountant
Client: Cumberland Council
Location: Hybrid (Carlisle/Workington/Whitehaven)
Salary: £65,873 – £68,775
Closing date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
Cumberland Council is a new unitary authority with a bold ambition: to deliver high-quality public services, tackle inequalities, and improve health and wellbeing across our communities.
With strong values, visible leadership and a commitment to doing things differently, we are building a forward-thinking Finance Service that will help shape a better future for Cumberland. As we grow and invest in our team, we’re looking to appoint two Group Accountants to lead business partnering, budgeting and financial planning across a range of high-profile service areas.
As a Group Accountant, you’ll be the key link between finance and services – ensuring that senior managers, directors and Members have the insight, analysis and advice they need to make confident, informed decisions.
You’ll provide support on both revenue and capital budgets, contribute to the development of our Medium Term Financial Plan, and lead on budget setting, monitoring and year-end closure for your area of responsibility. These are strategic, outward-facing roles, focused on partnership, planning and performance.
You’ll work closely with budget holders to help them manage resources effectively, deliver change projects, and identify opportunities for improvement. You’ll also help shape financial systems and processes, and contribute to the development of a high-performing, customer-focused finance function.
We’re looking for two CCAB-qualified professionals with a strong foundation in public sector accounting, and a desire to add value beyond the numbers. You’ll bring experience in financial planning, budget management and monitoring in a complex organisation.
We welcome applications from candidates currently working in local government or from across the wider public sector. If you’re looking for a role where you can help shape a new authority – and make a visible difference to how public money is used – this could be your next step.
To find out more, please contact Andreas Efthymiou at CIPFA Penna on 0203 849 2771 or at
Closing date: Thursday 28 August 2025.
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Group Accountant employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Cumberland Council's values and recent initiatives. Understanding their commitment to high-quality public services and tackling inequalities will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current employees or professionals in similar roles within local government. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the council's culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and contributed to financial planning in previous roles. Highlighting your strategic thinking and partnership skills will demonstrate your fit for the Group Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in public sector finance. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and showcase your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Group Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific needs.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your CCAB qualification and any relevant experience in public sector accounting. Provide examples of your work in financial planning, budget management, and monitoring, particularly in complex organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for improving public services. Mention how you can contribute to Cumberland Council's goals and values.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Group Accountant at Cumberland Council. Familiarise yourself with their financial planning, budgeting, and business partnering processes, as well as how these contribute to the council's goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in public sector accounting, particularly in financial planning and budget management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've added value beyond just the numbers.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Cumberland Council is looking for candidates who can think strategically. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach budget setting and monitoring, and how you would support senior managers in making informed decisions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their Medium Term Financial Plan or how they measure success in their finance function to demonstrate your engagement and understanding of their objectives.
