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- Tasks: Join the Management Accounting Team to prepare budgets and monitor financial performance.
- Company: Basildon Borough Council is committed to sustainable growth and community prosperity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive hourly rate, supportive colleagues, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving positive change in the local community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for innovation are essential.
- Other info: This is a full-time, temporary role with a closing date for applications on 19th May 2025.
Full Time, Temporary
£17.25 per Hour
36.25 Hours per Week
Closing Date: Monday 19th May 2025
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Borough Council in recruiting a Senior Accountant on a full-time, temporary basis.
The borough of Basildon is alive with opportunity and has the ingredients to be one of the most successful and desirable places in the South East. As the largest economy in the Thames Estuary outside London, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved but we are never complacent. We are driving inclusive, sustainable growth to provide opportunity and prosperity for local people and businesses, access to quality homes, vibrant town centres and an enhanced local environment.
You will join the council’s Finance & Commercial Service, working with friendly and motivating colleagues providing support and advice to other departments in order to ensure efficient use of council resources to deliver important services for our residents while realising ambitious plans for growth in our borough.
We want to hear from individuals with good communication skills who thrive on innovation and would look forward to being a part of our multi-disciplinary finance team.
If you would like to be part of Basildon’s success, we look forward to receiving your application.
MAIN PURPOSE
This role is within the Management Accounting Team which is responsible for the preparation and regular budget monitoring of the General Fund budgets, including the annual Council Tax setting process. The Team also supports the corporate transformation agenda in particular with regard to accounting and monitoring efficiency targets as well as providing innovative professional accountancy support to a range of front-line and support services.
Main duties of the Management Accounting Team include:
- Development of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.
- Development and preparation of the Financial forward forecast modelling.
- Preparation of the Council’s annual budget for the General Fund for Council Tax setting.
- Preparation of information for the completion of the annual statutory final accounts for the General Fund in accordance with accounting practices.
- Providing Members and Officers of all directorates with appropriate guidance and training on financial issues.
- Preparation of regular budgetary control reports for presentation to the Senior Leadership Team, Members and Committees in support of the Section 151 responsibilities.
- The provision of a business advisory role and guidance on financial matters and support to cost centre managers.
- Maintenance of corporate financial management systems (FMS) including General Ledger and Purchase Ordering.
- Support the organisation in the delivery of the Corporate Transformation Agenda, including monitoring achievement of targets.
Senior Accountant - Basildon Borough Council employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Basildon Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Basildon Borough Council's financial strategies and recent initiatives. Understanding their Medium Term Financial Strategy and how it aligns with the council's goals will help you demonstrate your knowledge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Basildon Borough Council, especially those in finance roles. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your budget preparation and monitoring skills, as these are key responsibilities in this role. Consider reviewing case studies or examples of successful budget management to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your communication skills by thinking of examples where you've effectively advised or trained others on financial matters. This will highlight your ability to support colleagues across different departments.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant - Basildon Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Senior Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your accounting qualifications, relevant work experience, and any specific achievements in financial management. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on quantifiable results.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's mission. Highlight your communication skills and ability to thrive in a team environment, as these are key attributes they are looking for.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial in accounting roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Accountant within the Management Accounting Team. Familiarise yourself with budget preparation, financial forecasting, and the annual Council Tax setting process, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential for this position, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues or stakeholders in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to provide guidance and training on financial issues.
✨Highlight Your Innovative Approach
The council values innovation, so be ready to discuss any creative solutions you've implemented in previous roles. Think about how you can contribute to the corporate transformation agenda and improve efficiency targets.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy or how the finance team collaborates with other departments. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
