Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Birmingham

Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Grant Thornton UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to tackle exciting finance projects in the public sector.
  • Company: Grant Thornton, a leader in audit, tax, and advisory services.
  • Benefits: Flexible contracting options, community support, and professional growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values your unique skills.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying the freedom of varied projects.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in local government finance.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

At Grant Thornton we’re building something bold. We’re doing things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity. Our journey from great to exceptional is well underway. With significant investment behind us and a clear strategy for growth, there’s real momentum.

Our Agile Talent Community (ATC) brings together experienced contract professionals who want choice without losing connection. You work where you add the most value, alongside teams who treat you as a partner rather than a placeholder.

Grant Thornton’s CFO Solutions provides strategic, transformation and execution support for CFOs, through multiple services including finance consultancy, finance placements, business process outsourcing and technical accounting advice. The Finance Placements team focuses on providing an on-demand and project-focused accounting service, deploying individuals and teams of interim finance professionals into our clients’ finance functions to help them through periods of challenge or change.

If you’re an experienced Interim Accountant who’s tired of choosing between freedom and meaningful work, there’s another route. Within our CFO Solutions team, you’ll be given the opportunity to take on short- to medium-term projects that sharpen your expertise, stretch your thinking, and give you a different angle on familiar challenges - all without locking you into a single path. These projects are very varied, encompassing a wide range of skills and organisations within the public sector, but with wider opportunities in private sector where desirable - including accounting and audit support, finance function remediation and supporting finance change programs.

Grant Thornton is a well-established partner to the public sector with extensive experience working with Central Government, Local Government, NHS and other public bodies supporting organisations with a variety of services from large scale transformation and change to audit and governance, as well as delivery of large-scale public service programmes. You can engage with us through your own limited company or on inside IR35 terms - whichever way gives you the freedom you’re looking for.

Qualifications

  • Fully qualified member of a professional accounting body such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent.
  • Experience working in the finance function of Council / Local Government.
  • Problem solving mindset, with a strong drive for best practice.
  • A one or more fields within accountancy and finance, including but not limited to:
    • Half and full-year-end accounts preparation.
    • Audit liaison, project management and query resolutions.
    • Preparation of monthly management accounts and forecasts.
    • Financial reporting under CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and NAO Code of Practice.
    • Finance process improvement.
    • Reconciliation and remediation of accounting data.

Why Consultants choose the ATC

When a project fits your skills, we’ll get in touch, but you choose whether it’s right for you. That means working on engagements that genuinely build your portfolio and expand your expertise.

The freedom of contracting without the hidden admin. You’re not left to navigate the freelance world alone. Our Agile Talent team helps you understand freelance regulation and connects you with people who broaden your thinking through our teams and clients.

Community you can actually feel. Connection shouldn’t disappear just because you’re contracting. From market insights to wellbeing sessions to networking events, you’ll be part of a community designed to make the independent path less isolated and more impactful.

Our culture and values

We have a culture where talented people thrive – where high performance is not just expected but enabled. It’s a culture built on clarity, curiosity, and care. One that challenges us to aim higher, where we’re encouraged to make the most of an abundance of resources to fuel our own development, and where we support each other to grow, learn, and succeed. Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

How to join

We keep the process straightforward, because the real work happens once you’re here. Submit your CV and basic details through our online application. If there’s a match, a recruiter will reach out to discuss. Meet key stakeholders for a focused conversation. Complete your background checks, join the Agile Talent Community, and start exploring the opportunities we have to offer.

If you need adjustments at any point in the process, please let us know during the application stage - we aim to make sure our roles are accessible to everyone.

Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Birmingham employer: Grant Thornton UK

At Grant Thornton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions both professional growth and personal fulfilment. Our Agile Talent Community fosters a collaborative environment where interim accountants can engage in diverse projects across the public sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of contracting without the burdens of administrative hassle. With a culture rooted in clarity, curiosity, and care, we empower our people to thrive and make meaningful contributions, ensuring that every team member feels valued and connected.

Grant Thornton UK

Contact Details:

Grant Thornton UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Birmingham

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Get involved in online communities related to finance and accounting. Join forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups. Engaging with others in your field can lead to valuable insights and potential job leads.

Tip Number 3

When you find a role that excites you, don’t just apply – reach out directly! A quick message to the hiring manager expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd and show your genuine interest.

Tip Number 4

Make sure to check out our website for the latest interim accountant roles. We’re all about connecting talented professionals with exciting projects, so keep an eye out for opportunities that match your skills!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Birmingham

ACA
ACCA
CIMA
CIPFA
Financial Reporting
Audit Liaison
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Accountant role. Highlight your experience in the finance function of local government and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; show us how you’ve tackled challenges in the past. We love a good problem-solving mindset, so share specific examples that demonstrate your drive for best practice.

Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get to the point. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and experiences.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, making the process smoother for everyone.

How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton UK

Know Your Numbers

As an Interim Accountant, you’ll want to brush up on your financial reporting skills. Familiarise yourself with the CIPFA Code of Practice and IFRS standards, as these will likely come up in conversation. Be ready to discuss your experience with half and full-year-end accounts preparation.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Grant Thornton values a problem-solving mindset. Prepare examples from your past roles where you identified issues and implemented best practices. This will demonstrate your ability to add value during challenging periods.

Understand the Public Sector Landscape

Since this role involves working with local government and public bodies, make sure you’re up to speed on current challenges and trends in the public sector. Being able to discuss these topics will show your genuine interest and understanding of the environment you'll be working in.

Engage with the Agile Talent Community

Highlight your enthusiasm for being part of a community that values connection. Discuss how you can contribute to the Agile Talent Community and how it aligns with your career goals. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but a partnership.