At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage the Council's Statement of Accounts.
- Company: Join Rushmoor Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority focused on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fully remote working options available and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of the Council while collaborating with diverse stakeholders in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in local government finance required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rushmoor Borough Council is a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to delivering high-quality services and driving positive change for its communities. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and financial sustainability, the Council is embarking on an exciting journey of transformation, including the implementation of its Delivery Plan priorities for 2025/26 and the start of its Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation journey.
This is a fantastic opportunity to become the Council's expert lead on financial reporting, playing a vital role in shaping the financial future of the organisation. You will be responsible for the leadership, management, development, and production of the Council's Statement of Accounts and lead the external audit process.
Your role will involve applying your technical expertise to complex areas such as regeneration and development, the commercial property investment portfolio, and treasury management. You will work closely with key partners and internal teams to ensure high standards in financial reporting and governance, while also supporting the wider finance team in delivering high-quality financial statements.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the preparation of statutory financial statements and external audit processes.
- Acting as the Council's lead on financial reporting, the Collection Fund (supported by LG Futures), and asset accounting.
- Supporting the development of the finance team and driving continuous improvement in statutory reporting.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
- Managing the Council's Fixed Asset Register and liaising with property teams and external valuers.
- Contributing to financial sustainability through identifying efficiencies and supporting strategic planning.
What you'll need to succeed:
- A professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
- Significant experience in local government finance or a similar public sector environment.
- Strong technical knowledge of financial reporting standards, capital financing, and statutory accounting.
- Proven ability to lead on the production of financial statements and manage external audits.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
What you'll get in return:
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Access to a flextime system, allowing staff to work additional hours between 7:30am and 7:00pm (6:30pm on Fridays) and take up to one day's flexible leave each calendar month.
- Generous annual leave entitlement: 26 days for full-time staff, rising to 29 days after five years' continuous local government service, 31 days after ten years, and 34 days after twenty years.
- Membership of the Hampshire Local Government Pension Scheme, a defined benefit occupational pension scheme.
- Payment of professional membership fees where a qualification is required for the role.
- Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentoring, and support for continuing professional qualifications.
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
- A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, including wellbeing days and events, 24/7 access to a free Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), cycle to work scheme, reduced gym membership, on-site food and drink facilities, option to purchase additional annual leave, volunteering opportunities in the community, Kaarp benefit scheme (discounts and vouchers), and free parking next to the Council offices.
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 on your career.
Financial Reporting & Technical Lead (remote working available) in Leeds employer: Hays
Rushmoor Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and collaboration, offering a supportive and ambitious finance team environment. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to the financial sustainability of their communities. The Council's focus on employee wellbeing and inclusivity makes it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful public service careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Reporting & Technical Lead (remote working available) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial reporting standards relevant to local government. Understanding these standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant webinars or local meetups to connect with others in the field. This can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with external audits and financial statement production in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Rushmoor Borough Council's recent initiatives and financial strategies. Being knowledgeable about their current projects will allow you to tailor your discussions and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Reporting & Technical Lead (remote working available) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your professional accounting qualifications and relevant experience in local government finance. Emphasise your technical knowledge of financial reporting standards and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the Council's mission. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with statutory financial statements and external audits.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are crucial for this role, consider including examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners.
Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives:Mention any previous experiences where you have driven continuous improvement in financial reporting or governance. This will show your proactive approach to problem-solving, which is highly valued by the Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Make sure to highlight your professional accounting qualifications and any relevant experience in local government finance. Be prepared to discuss specific financial reporting standards and how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading the preparation of financial statements and managing audits, share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Emphasise your ability to drive continuous improvement within a finance team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Highlight instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve financial governance, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
The Council values a proactive approach to problem-solving. Think of examples where you identified efficiencies or contributed to strategic planning. Show that you're not just reactive but can also anticipate challenges and propose solutions.
