At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the capital accounting function and ensure financial integrity for a £1.3 billion asset register.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, a diverse and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of local government finance while supporting sustainability and community services.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with expertise in local authority financial accounting and capital management.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Overview
Are you an experienced local government accountant looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real impact?
The London Borough of Harrow is seeking a talented and motivated Capital Accounting Manager to join our Finance Division at a pivotal time of transformation and improvement.
Reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will play a leading role in managing the Council’s capital accounting function, overseeing the integrity of a Fixed Asset Register valued at over £1.3 billion, maintaining lease accounting records, producing capital funding statements, managing Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) calculations, and supporting the delivery of high-quality financial reporting and statutory accounts.
You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including Property Services, senior finance colleagues, external auditors and service managers, providing expert advice and helping to drive continuous improvement across capital accounting processes.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a forward-thinking local authority that is committed to innovation, financial excellence, sustainability and delivering outstanding services for residents.
Why join Harrow?
At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.
In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance.
If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.
About You
You will be a qualified accountant with strong technical expertise in local authority financial accounting and a passion for delivering high-quality financial management.
You will be comfortable working in a complex and dynamic environment, translating technical accounting requirements into practical solutions and advice for a range of stakeholders.
With excellent analytical skills and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, you will take ownership of your work, drive continuous improvement and support the Council’s financial governance and reporting objectives.
You will also be an effective communicator and supportive leader, capable of developing colleagues and building strong working relationships across the organisation.
We are looking for someone who has
- A CCAB professional accountancy qualification.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and a commitment to learning.
- Strong knowledge of local government financial accounting and the legislative framework, including IFRS, the CIPFA Code of Practice, Prudential Code and Se RCOP.
- Experience of capital accounting, fixed asset accounting, lease accounting and year-end financial reporting.
- Experience of preparing or supporting the production of local authority Statements of Accounts.
- A thorough understanding of financial governance within a local authority environment.
- Proven experience of maintaining accurate financial records and delivering high-quality financial information.
- Experience of driving process improvements and enhancing financial systems and controls.
- Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to interpret complex legislation, regulations and accounting guidance and communicate these clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills and experience of working with financial management systems.
- A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience of supervising, supporting and developing colleagues.
- The confidence to deputise for senior colleagues and provide expert advice on capital accounting matters.
- Related Documents
- For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Capital Accounting Manager employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an excellent employer, offering a supportive multi-disciplinary environment where Occupational Therapists can thrive. With flexible scheduling options, employees enjoy a great work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. The organisation prioritises professional development and growth opportunities, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to enhance the independence and safety of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital Accounting Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Harrow Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Capital Accounting Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Harrow Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Harrow Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Harrow Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Harrow Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Harrow Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
