At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage grant funding, oversee payments, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the public sector focused on social housing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for impactful contributions and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in social housing while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Partly or fully qualified in finance/accountancy; strong Excel skills required.
Role Purpose: Establish strong systems, processes, and controls for managing and disbursing grant funding within a major social housing programme. The interim post-holder will oversee grant payments, reconciliation, and compliance, working closely with internal finance teams and the lead grant recipient.
Key Responsibilities
- Grant Management: Coordinate grant payments, act as the main contact for financial requirements, and ensure compliance with funding rules.
- Financial Tracking: Build and maintain a centralised grant-payment tracker (initially spreadsheets, later potentially software). Reconcile payments against approved allocations and resolve discrepancies.
- Process & Controls Development: Review existing finance processes, identify risks, and introduce improved tools and templates for payment requests, evidence requirements, and reconciliation. Produce financial reports (e.g., payments by member, undisbursed funds) to support programme oversight.
Qualifications
- Finance Qualification: Fully or partly qualified in a recognised finance/accountancy discipline (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA).
- Technical Skills: Strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software.
- Relevant Experience: Background in project support or finance business partnering; grant-funding experience beneficial but not essential.
- Process Design: Demonstrated ability to design and implement financial processes and controls.
Interim Project Accountant employer: Hays
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation and professional growth. Our team members benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the public sector, particularly in social housing initiatives. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive environment where your contributions directly enhance the lives of others through effective financial management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Project Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with grant management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at networking events or interviews, bring along examples of your work. A well-prepared portfolio showcasing your financial tracking and process design can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay proactive! Don’t just wait for job alerts; actively search for opportunities on our website. Apply directly through us to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview! Brush up on your knowledge of compliance and grant funding rules, as these will likely come up. Practise answering common finance-related questions and be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in past roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Project Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your finance qualifications and any relevant project support experience to show us you’re the right fit for the Interim Project Accountant role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're interested in this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your strong Excel skills and any experience with grant management.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since we’re looking for someone with strong Excel skills and experience with accounting software, make sure to include specific examples of how you've used these tools in your previous roles. This will help us see your technical prowess!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the hiring process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around grant management and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial tracking and reconciliations in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since strong Excel skills are crucial for this role, make sure you can confidently talk about your experience with spreadsheets. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've used Excel for financial tracking or reporting, and consider practising some common functions or formulas that might come up.
✨Process Improvement Mindset
Think about times when you've identified risks or inefficiencies in financial processes. Be ready to discuss how you approached these challenges and what tools or templates you introduced to improve the situation. This will demonstrate your ability to develop and implement effective processes.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with internal finance teams and grant recipients, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous positions, particularly in project support or finance business partnering, to showcase your ability to work effectively in a team environment.
