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- Tasks: Join exciting projects in public sector finance and enhance your accounting skills.
- Company: Grant Thornton, a leader in finance consultancy with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage in diverse projects that challenge and develop your expertise.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while enjoying the freedom of interim work.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with experience in public sector finance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
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.
Role Summary
If you’re an experienced Interim Public Sector Accountant who’s tired of choosing between freedom and meaningful work, this role offers short‑ to medium‑term projects that sharpen your expertise and provide a different angle on familiar challenges. Projects span the private and public sector, covering accounting and audit support, finance function remediation, finance business partnering and finance change programs. 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.
Responsibilities
- Deploy as an interim finance professional on short‑ to medium‑term engagements with public sector clients.
- Prepare and review half‑ or full‑year‑end accounts, including audit liaison and query resolution.
- Prepare monthly management accounts and forecasts for client organisations.
- Produce financial reporting under CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and NAO Code of Practice.
- Provide finance business partnering and finance process improvement services.
- Reconcile and remediate accounting data to ensure accurate financial records.
- Communicate findings and recommendations to client stakeholders and internal teams.
Qualifications and Skills
- 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, Central Government or the NHS.
- Problem‑solving mindset with a strong drive for best practice.
- Experience in half‑ and full‑year‑end accounts preparation.
- Audit liaison, project management and query resolution.
- Preparation of monthly management accounts and forecasts.
- Financial reporting under CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS and NAO Code of Practice.
- Finance business partnering.
- Finance process improvement.
- Reconciliation and remediation of accounting data.
Interim Accountant - Public Sector employer: Grant Thornton UK
Contact Detail:
Grant Thornton UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Accountant - Public Sector
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend finance events, webinars, or local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This will help them see the value you can bring to their team.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every client is different, so make sure you adapt your pitch to fit their needs. Research the organisation beforehand and highlight how your experience aligns with their specific challenges and goals.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest interim roles! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your commitment to joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Accountant - Public Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Accountant. Highlight your experience in public sector finance and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match up with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: We love candidates who can think on their feet! In your application, mention instances where you’ve tackled challenges in finance, especially in the public sector. This will show us you have the right mindset for the job.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Accountant, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on the CIPFA Code of Practice, IFRS, and NAO standards before the interview. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles in public sector finance. Whether it’s about preparing year-end accounts or liaising with auditors, having concrete stories ready will help you demonstrate your expertise. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the types of projects Grant Thornton undertakes in the public sector. Understanding their approach to finance consultancy and placements will allow you to tailor your answers to align with their values and objectives. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and the types of challenges they face in finance placements. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your problem-solving mindset!