At a Glance
- Tasks: Work on diverse projects in public sector accounting, driving positive change and transformation.
- Company: Join Grant Thornton, a forward-thinking firm empowering clients and employees alike.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, community support, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Choose projects that match your skills and make a real impact in the public sector.
- 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.
Joining the Agile Talent Community as an Interim Public Sector Accountant, you will have the freedom to work on projects that you choose, whether full or part-time, on short to medium-term assignments for CFO solutions' clients. 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.
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.
- 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.
Interim Public Sector Accountant. Job in Milton Keynes LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: Grant Thornton
At Grant Thornton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that empowers our people with real opportunities for growth and development. Our Agile Talent Community fosters a supportive work culture where you can choose projects that align with your skills while enjoying the benefits of community connection and professional networking. Located in Milton Keynes, we offer a dynamic environment that encourages curiosity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for Interim Public Sector Accountants to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Public Sector Accountant. Job in Milton Keynes LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Show Off Your Expertise Online
In the banking and financial services world, sharing your insights on platforms like LinkedIn can really set you apart. Write articles about market trends or finance tips, and engage in discussions in relevant groups. This not only boosts your visibility but also highlights your knowledge to potential clients.
✨Join Freelance Platforms and Networking Events
Freelancing in finance can be competitive, so make sure you're on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, specifically targeting finance gigs. Also, look for finance networking events or webinars to connect with small businesses that might need your services. Meeting people face-to-face (or online) can score you those elusive freelance contracts.
✨Build a Stunning Portfolio
Since you're going freelance, having a solid portfolio is a must. Showcase your previous work, such as reports or analyses, and consider using case studies to highlight your approach. The more you can demonstrate your skills, the easier it is for clients to trust you with their finances.
✨Direct Outreach is Key
For freelance gigs, don't wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify companies or startups that align with your skills and reach out directly. A personalised message introducing yourself and proposing how you could add value can go a long way. Plus, keep an eye on Grant Thornton for freelance opportunities—they might have just what you’re looking for!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Public Sector Accountant. Job in Milton Keynes LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Financial Savvy:When applying for a freelance role in banking and financial services, we need to see your expertise front and centre! Mention specific financial regulations or tools you've mastered, and feel free to include your relevant qualifications, like CFA or ACCA, to bolster your credibility.
Build a Stellar Portfolio:Since this is a freelance gig, your portfolio is your ticket to impressing us at Grant Thornton. Include examples of past projects you've completed—think financial analyses, investment reports, or forecasting models. Be sure to highlight the results you achieved!
Tailor Your Rates and Availability:We want to see that you're flexible and can align with our needs. Clearly outline your freelance rates, availability for projects, and whether you're open to long-term collaborations or just ad-hoc gigs. This makes it easier for us to understand how we can work together!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your skills, but also why you're excited about joining Grant Thornton. Share your passion for financial services and how you plan to tackle challenges in this sector. This is your chance to connect on a personal level—make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton
✨Show Off Your Financial Savvy
When you're talking with Grant Thornton, make sure to highlight your experience with financial modelling, risk assessment, or portfolio management. Freelance work often requires a good level of financial literacy, so prepare to discuss any relevant tools you've used, whether it's Excel or specific financial software.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
A freelance role means you’ll want to showcase your previous work effectively. Put together a portfolio that not only highlights your projects but also demonstrates the outcomes - think case studies or success stories that showcase how your financial skills made a difference for past clients.
✨Know Your Regulations and Compliance
In the banking and financial services world, understanding compliance and regulations is crucial. Make sure you’re up to date with the latest standards as they relate to your expertise. Be prepared for specific questions about how you've navigated these in past roles or how you'd approach potential compliance challenges.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Rates and Availability
As a freelancer, the topic of rates and availability can come up early on. Be clear about what you offer and how you charge. It might also help to have a few examples in mind where your expertise saved someone money or improved efficiency to justify your rates to Grant Thornton.
