Interim Public Sector Accountant in Milton Keynes

Interim Public Sector Accountant in Milton Keynes

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

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Work on diverse projects in public sector finance, from accounting to audit support.
  • Company: Join Grant Thornton, a leader in public sector consultancy with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Flexible work options, community support, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Be part of a vibrant community that values connection and personal development.
  • Why this job: Choose projects that match your skills and build your portfolio while making an impact.
  • Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in local government finance.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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.

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 programmes.

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.

Interim Public Sector Accountant in Milton Keynes employer: Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton is an exceptional employer for Interim Public Sector Accountants, offering a dynamic work environment where you can choose projects that align with your skills and career aspirations. With a strong focus on employee growth, our Agile Talent Community provides support and resources to help you thrive in your freelance journey, while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Enjoy the benefits of working with a well-established partner in the public sector, where your contributions make a meaningful impact on organisations and communities.

Grant Thornton

Contact Details:

Grant Thornton Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Public Sector Accountant in Milton Keynes

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that perfect interim role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you’re chatting with potential clients or during interviews, highlight your experience in finance functions, especially in local government. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and delivered results.

Tip Number 3

Be flexible with your projects. Since you’ll have the freedom to choose assignments, keep an open mind about different roles within the public and private sectors. This flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities that enhance your portfolio.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, you’ll be part of our Agile Talent Community, where we support each other in navigating the freelance world.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Public Sector Accountant in Milton Keynes

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

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Public Sector Accountant. Highlight your relevant experience in finance functions, especially within local government, and showcase your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've contributed to finance process improvements in previous roles.

Showcase Your Flexibility:Since this role offers project-based work, emphasise your adaptability and willingness to take on varied assignments. Let us know how you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy tackling new challenges.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the projects that match your skills and interests.

How to prepare for a job interview at Grant Thornton

Know Your Numbers

As an Interim Public Sector Accountant, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key accounting principles and be ready to discuss your experience with half and full-year-end accounts preparation, as well as financial reporting under CIPFA and IFRS. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers, but that you can also apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Grant Thornton values a problem-solving mindset, so come prepared with examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you improved finance processes or resolved complex queries. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt to changing situations, which is crucial for the role.

Understand the Public Sector Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges facing the public sector, especially in finance. Being able to discuss recent changes in local government finance or NHS funding will show that you’re engaged and knowledgeable about the environment you’ll be working in. It’s all about showing that you’re not just a number cruncher, but someone who understands the bigger picture.

Emphasise Your Flexibility and Independence

Since this role offers the freedom to choose projects, highlight your adaptability and willingness to take on varied assignments. Share experiences where you successfully managed multiple projects or worked independently. This will reassure them that you can thrive in a flexible contracting environment while still delivering high-quality results.