Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Cheshire, Warrington

Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Cheshire, Warrington

Warrington +1 Temporary 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Grant Thornton UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Take on exciting short- to medium-term projects in public sector accounting.
  • Company: Join Grant Thornton, a bold and innovative leader in audit, tax, and advisory services.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexibility, community support, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values your unique skills and aspirations.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying the freedom of contracting without the hassle.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in local government finance.

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

Who we are

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.

Joining us in CFO Solutions – Finance Placements

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 Public Sector 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 private sector, including accounting and audit support, finance function remediation, and supporting finance change programs.

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.

Skills we are looking for

  • 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
  • Work that moves you forward

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.

Locations

WarringtonCheshire

Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Grant Thornton UK

Grant Thornton (UK) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements and a range of family-friendly benefits. With a strong focus on a cloud-first strategy and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to lead innovative projects while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters career development.

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 Cheshire, Warrington

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Grant Thornton UK.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Grant Thornton UK might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Accountant - Public Sector in Cheshire, Warrington

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
Experience in Local Government finance functions
Problem-Solving Mindset
Best Practice Implementation
Half and Full-Year-End Accounts Preparation
Audit Liaison
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Grant Thornton UK will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Grant Thornton UK. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Grant Thornton UK confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton UK

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Grant Thornton UK.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Grant Thornton UK that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.