Group Accountant

Group Accountant

Full-Time 35000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support budget-setting, manage financial relationships, and produce annual accounts.
  • Company: Join Hartlepool Borough Council, a vibrant authority dedicated to community growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, generous leave, and hybrid working options.
  • Other info: Exciting career opportunities in a well-respected finance service.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in local finance while enjoying a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with strong technical skills and communication abilities.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.

Hartlepool is a vibrant and energetic town with growing prospects.

As an authority we want to make Hartlepool the best it possibly can be and want dedicated, driven and committed staff to help us achieve that.

In return we can offer you a competitive salary as well as a range of different benefits.

  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • generous annual leave allowance
  • access to a range of savings across the UK's major retailers
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Hybrid working
  • flexi scheme where applicable

Hartlepool Borough Council is seeking a highly motivated accountant to join our Corporate Finance Team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work within an experienced and supportive team, providing financial support across the Council's Corporate and Schools service areas.

The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the financial relationship between Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Fire Authority, whilst supporting a range of important corporate finance functions.

Key responsibilities

  • Supporting the strategic budget-setting process.
  • Assisting with the annual Council Tax setting process.
  • Producing the Council's annual statutory accounts.
  • Completing statutory returns, including RA, RO and COR forms.
  • Providing financial advice, analysis and support to managers and stakeholders.
  • Managing the day-to-day operations of the Cash Book Team and ensuring effective service delivery.

We are looking for a proactive individual with strong technical accounting skills, excellent communication abilities and a commitment to delivering high-quality financial services.

Experience of local government finance and/or public sector experience would be advantageous.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled CCAB qualified accountant to join an inclusive, successful and well-respected finance service.

If you are looking for a rewarding career involving variety and challenge this is ideally suited to you.

Interviews: week commencing 7th September 2026

For further information please contact Sandra Shears, Head of Finance - Corporate and Schools on 01429 523492

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Group Accountant employer: Hartlepool

Hartlepool Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and teamwork. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and a commitment to high-quality financial services, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to the community's well-being.

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Contact Details:

Hartlepool Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Accountant

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 Hartlepool. 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 Group Accountant

Technical Accounting Skills
Financial Analysis
Budget Management
Statutory Accounts Preparation
Local Government Finance Knowledge
Public Sector Experience
Communication Skills

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 Hartlepool.

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 Hartlepool'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 Hartlepool

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 Hartlepool.

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 Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool 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.