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- Tasks: Support financial reporting and budget setting for Runnymede Borough Council.
- Company: Join the Runnymede Borough Council's Financial Services team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and valuable experience in public sector finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior finance teams and enhance your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local governance through accurate financial management.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, KT152AH
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 7+ Months
Working Hours: 22 hours per week - Hybrid
Pay Rate: PAYE: £141.02 Per Day
JOB REF: OR101283
About the Role
We are recruiting a Financial Accountant to support Runnymede Borough Council's Financial Services team on a temporary basis. This role plays a key part in delivering accurate financial reporting, budget setting, and financial control across council services. You will work closely with Budget Managers and Senior Accountants to ensure robust financial planning, accurate year-end reporting, and compliance with the Council's financial regulations and statutory requirements.
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing annual budgets for a range of services in line with the Council's financial strategy
- Working with Budget Managers to analyse financial data and ensure robust budget setting
- Producing final accounts and year-end financial statements in line with the closing timetable
- Reviewing and improving budgetary control systems to identify and report variances
- Supporting ledger controls and personal accounts in line with agreed procedures
- Providing financial advice and guidance to Members and Managers
- Attending meetings and contributing to reports by providing financial input and commentary
- Ensuring accurate completion of government financial returns and statutory reporting
- Raising invoices and supporting the recovery of income from third parties in accordance with agreements
- Supporting Senior Accountants in project work, working groups, and financial analysis
- Attending meetings and providing costing, evaluation, and decision-support information
What We're Looking For
- Experience in local government or public sector finance/accounting
- Strong experience in budget setting and financial planning
- Ability to prepare final accounts and year-end financial reporting
- Strong understanding of financial controls and budget monitoring systems
- Experience working with financial management systems and ledger controls
- Ability to provide clear financial advice to non-finance stakeholders
- Strong analytical, numerical, and reporting skills
- Ability to meet tight deadlines and statutory reporting timetables
- Part-qualified or qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
- Experience working within a local authority finance team
- Experience producing government returns or statutory financial submissions
- Experience supporting senior finance teams or project workstreams
- Knowledge of council financial regulations and standing orders
Accountant in Surrey employer: i-Jobs
Contact Detail:
i-Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and budgetary control systems. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience with final accounts and year-end reporting!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've used data to improve budget setting or financial planning in past roles. This will really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Accountant role! We’re all about making the application process smooth and easy for you, so don’t miss out on this opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Accountant role. Highlight your experience in local government finance and budget setting, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in financial reporting and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your experience with financial management systems and your ability to provide clear financial advice.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have in public sector finance. We want to see your strong analytical skills and your ability to meet tight deadlines, so make those stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at i-Jobs
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budget setting and year-end reporting. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and produce final accounts.
✨Understand the Council's Financial Strategy
Familiarise yourself with Runnymede Borough Council's financial strategy and any recent changes in local government finance. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you provide relevant insights during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly in budgetary control and financial reporting. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in financial planning or compliance, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Finance Stakeholders
Since you'll need to provide financial advice to non-finance colleagues, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between finance and other departments effectively.