At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and strategy for the Council while optimising resources.
- Company: Join Wakefield Council, a supportive organisation focused on community welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, hybrid working, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a great work-life balance with numerous employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance and enhance your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role: An integral role within our service which supports both the Head of Financial Management and Chief Finance Officer to secure proper stewardship of Council resources and deliver effective financial management arrangements across the Council.
Hybrid working
Key Responsibilities:
- You will assist Group Finance Managers in developing the Council’s forward-looking Medium Term Financial Strategy, having regard to estimates of future government funding and other income and cost pressures resulting from demand for council services, inflationary or legislative changes.
- Assisting the Group Finance Manager to secure proper financial administration across the Council including optimisation of the Council’s resources.
- You will coordinate with the Group Finance Manager, and liaise with Financial Management and operational managers, on the production of both revenue and capital estimates and Final Accounts, in accordance with statutory and best practice requirements, whilst ensuring auditable systems and procedures are in place to demonstrate adherence to policies.
- You will assist the Group Finance Manager to ensure effective management of service resources and budgets. Contribute to the development and improvement of services provided by supporting operational management with regular financial information for analysis, forecasting and strategic planning, and by providing sound financial advice.
- Provision of professional financial advice on service issues including policy developments or changes in service delivery.
- To attend appropriate meetings and working groups.
- Managing and developing staff through individual performance appraisal in such a way as to encourage innovation.
- Ensuring accurate and timely submission of grant claims to protect/maximise the financial position of the Council as well as ensuring the accurate and timely provision of information to other agencies including Central Government, CIPFA, DFE etc.
- Deputising in the absence of the Group Finance Manager including attendance at Financial Management Team meetings, Directorate Management Team meetings and budget clinics.
- Assist in ensuring robust financial stewardship and reporting for WMDC maintained schools.
- Oversight of the dedicated schools grant including robust and timely reporting on the dedicated schools grant to Schools Forum and DFE.
What can I expect?
- A competitive salary
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
- Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
- Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
- Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.
Name: Olivia Hargreaves
Tel: 01924 972287
E-mail: ohargreaves@wakefield.gov.uk
Company: Wakefield Council
Salary: Grade 11 – Grade 12
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Principal Management Accountant in Wakefield employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Wakefield Council is an excellent employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff, offering a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and hybrid working options. With access to high-quality training programmes and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to innovate and develop their skills while enjoying a range of benefits including discounted public transport and leisure facilities. Located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to contribute to effective financial management within the community.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Management Accountant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in finance and accounting, especially those who work in local government. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial management knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy and demonstrate your understanding of budget optimisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during the interview! Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or provided financial advice in previous roles. This will help us see how you can add value to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Wakefield Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Management Accountant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Management Accountant role. Highlight your experience in financial management and how it aligns with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in financial strategy development and resource optimisation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and provide sound financial advice, as these are key aspects of the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is received directly by our recruitment team, making the process smoother for both you and us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Management Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you understand the importance of financial stewardship and can contribute to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.
✨Understand the Council's Needs
Research Wakefield Council's current financial situation and any recent news or changes in local government funding. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their challenges and how you can help address them will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing and developing staff, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to performance appraisals and how you encourage innovation within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios or challenges. Think through potential situations related to budget management or grant claims, and prepare structured responses that highlight your problem-solving skills and adherence to best practices.
