At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead capital accounting and support financial planning for Woking Borough Council.
- Company: Join Woking Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on innovation and transparency.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career progression, generous leave, and discounts at local businesses.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and professional development.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in capital accounting and relevant qualifications like CIPFA or ACCA preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity to make a real impact in public finance and community services.
The predicted salary is between 34700 - 41500 £ per year.
Your new company
Woking Borough Council is a forward-thinking and inclusive local authority, committed to delivering high-quality services and maintaining strong financial governance. We are proud of our innovative approach to public finance and our dedication to transparency, compliance, and continuous improvement. We are now seeking a Capital, Collection Fund & Closing Accountant to lead on capital accounting and support the Council's financial planning and reporting processes, paying £39,718 - £46,569 pa.
Your new role
As the Capital, Collection Fund & Closing Accountant, you will be responsible for overseeing the Council's capital accounting function, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and supporting the financial planning of capital projects. You will lead the preparation and monitoring of the capital budget, manage collection fund accounting for business rates and council tax, and ensure the timely and accurate closure of accounts. This role also involves advising departments on capital finance matters, supporting the production of the Statement of Accounts, and driving improvements in financial systems and procedures.
What you'll need to succeed
- Strong experience in capital accounting, financial reporting, and budget management.
- Thorough understanding of CIPFA standards, IFRS, and the Prudential Code.
- Experience in collection fund accounting and year-end closure processes.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, with the ability to advise and train stakeholders.
- A proactive approach to process improvement and financial governance.
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is desirable.
What you'll get in return
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
- Opportunities for training and career progression.
- A welcoming and inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports equal opportunities.
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- 23 days + Bank Holidays, increasing to 28 after 5 years.
- Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
- Flexi-time scheme with the ability to take two flexi days a month.
- Two volunteering days per year in Woking.
- Comprehensive learning and development programme.
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres.
- Interest-free season ticket loans.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses.
- Confidential wellbeing and counselling support.
- Subsidised gym membership.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Capital, Collection Fund & Closing Accountant employer: Hays Accountancy and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accountancy and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital, Collection Fund & Closing Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and standards mentioned in the job description, such as CIPFA standards and IFRS. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and governance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government finance or join relevant online forums. Engaging with others in the field can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections that could support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with capital accounting and collection fund processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial systems in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Woking Borough Council's recent projects and initiatives related to financial governance. Showing that you understand their current challenges and successes will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Capital, Collection Fund & Closing Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in capital accounting, financial reporting, and budget management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of CIPFA standards and IFRS.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the council's commitment to innovation and inclusion. Mention how your proactive approach to process improvement aligns with their values.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have a professional qualification such as CIPFA, ACCA, or CIMA, be sure to mention it prominently. This will show that you meet the desirable criteria for the position.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your experience with collection fund accounting and year-end closure processes. Be ready to discuss how you've advised stakeholders in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accountancy and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you have a solid grasp of capital accounting principles, financial reporting standards, and budget management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
✨Understand the Standards
Familiarise yourself with CIPFA standards, IFRS, and the Prudential Code. Being able to articulate how these standards apply to the role will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role involves advising and training stakeholders, practice articulating complex financial concepts in a clear and concise manner. Prepare to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with non-financial colleagues in the past.
✨Demonstrate Proactivity
Highlight instances where you've driven process improvements or enhanced financial governance in previous roles. This will illustrate your proactive approach and alignment with the council's values of innovation and continuous improvement.