At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial advice and develop training plans for finance staff.
- Company: Join Sandwell Council, a forward-thinking local authority with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and the chance to innovate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local government finance and support transformative change.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in finance and team management.
The predicted salary is between 55609 - 59025 £ per year.
Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a proactive Finance Development Accountant on a full-time permanent basis, based from its Oldbury office. The organisation currently operates to a hybrid working model.
The Finance Development Accountant within the Financial Reporting and Regulatory Team will work alongside the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the functions under the remit of the post and provide financial advice and challenge to support delivery of services and achievement of Corporate Plan objectives.
The role will be responsible under the guidance of the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant for the technical financial aspects of the area it supports which will include:
- Development of training plans for finance and non-finance staff
- Maintaining the Council’s Financial Regulations
- Leading on relations with CIPFA
- Ensuring CPD activities are undertaken across Finance
- Leading on development of the council’s finance system
- Improving the finance offer for staff across the Council
The postholder will play a key role in supporting the Council’s change and transformation activities by providing strategic financial advice and guidance and offering innovative and creative solutions.
In this role you will:
- Have a detailed understanding of relevant legislation and underlying concepts and principles of Local Government Finance, particularly the technical areas of the statement of accounts (revenue and/or capital).
- Understand and interpret current and proposed accounting standards, ensuring compliance across the organisation including relevant training is developed for all finance staff and departments where appropriate.
- Provide strategic financial advice to senior management on the potential impact of any changes to accounting standards.
- Lead on the relationship with CIPFA as the public sector accounting body, ensuring continuing professional development (CPD) activities are undertaken across Finance and that CIPFA accreditation can be obtained.
- Lead on the development of training plans for staff within the service and be responsible for the co-ordination of finance trainees and apprentices.
- Lead on development of the Council’s overall finance system (general ledger, accounts payable and receivable), including the development of new reports.
- Devise and implement creative and innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges.
- Adopt a collaborative, supportive, and challenging approach, in providing advice, support and guidance on both established internal policy and external regulations or legislation to colleagues across the Council and to partner organisations.
Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder’s salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.
Attributes that you would bring to the role:
- A fully Qualified member of the UK’s recognised Chartered Accountancy body (i.e. CCAB, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or CIPFA).
- Proven relevant experience in a finance role with preferably some in a Local Government setting.
- Experience of supporting the closure of accounts.
- Direct experience of managing teams.
- Experience of managing tasks involving others.
- Experience of developing and delivering finance training.
- Experience of managing and developing individuals and teams to deliver the outcomes of the Directorate Business Plan and Corporate Plan.
- Experience of effective financial management and delivering financial advice at a strategic level across services.
- Experience of building effective partnerships, negotiating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders.
Finance Development Accountant employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development and innovation. With a hybrid working model and a focus on continuous professional development, the Finance Development Accountant role provides opportunities to lead impactful financial initiatives while contributing to the Council's transformation activities. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to training and career growth, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in public service.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Development Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Sandwell Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on Local Government Finance. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their needs, especially around financial management and training development.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our problem-solving skills! Think of examples where we've devised creative solutions in finance. This will demonstrate our ability to tackle challenges head-on, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how we meet the specific requirements of the Finance Development Accountant role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Development Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Development Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience in local government finance and any specific skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of accounting standards and your experience in developing training plans.
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a fully qualified member of a recognised Chartered Accountancy body, make sure to prominently display your qualifications. We’re looking for someone who can provide strategic financial advice, so let us know how your credentials support that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of Local Government Finance, especially the technical aspects of the statement of accounts. Be ready to discuss how current and proposed accounting standards could impact the organisation, as this will show your proactive approach.
✨Showcase Your Training Skills
Since the role involves developing training plans for finance and non-finance staff, think about examples from your past where you've successfully delivered training or developed educational materials. Be prepared to share these experiences during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss how you can provide strategic financial advice to senior management. Think of specific scenarios where your financial insights led to innovative solutions or improvements in processes, and be ready to articulate these clearly.
✨Build Relationships
The role requires leading relationships with CIPFA and other stakeholders. Come equipped with examples of how you've built effective partnerships in previous roles. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've consulted with both internal and external parties to achieve common goals.
