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- Tasks: Join our Core Accounting Team as a Financial Accountant, ensuring accurate financial records and reporting.
- Company: Lewisham Council is dedicated to creating safer neighborhoods and empowering communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous holidays, and local government pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB Qualified Accountant with experience in local government finance and strong presentation skills.
- Other info: Work primarily from Laurence House, Catford, with a mix of office and remote work.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 64000 £ per year.
We are committed to creating safer neighbourhoods, providing good schools, supporting thriving businesses, and fostering active community groups. Our services are designed for the convenience of those who use them, ensuring that everyone who lives, studies, and works in the borough feels empowered to contribute and have their say about the things they care about.
Good stewardship of our finances plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Council continues to deliver excellent services to all of its residents and businesses. The Finance function forms part of Corporate Resources and has four key service areas:
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Strategic Finance, Planning and Commercial.
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Pensions and Payroll.
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Service Finance.
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Core Accounting.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Lewisham Council’s Core Accounting Team as the Financial Accountant, reporting to the Council s Chief Accountant.
What s the role?
The primary responsibilities of the Financial Accountant role are:
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To be responsible for ensuring that the integrity of the Council s core accounting systems and records are maintained throughout the year, to support the production and reporting of accurate financial and management accounting information in line with statutory timeframes.
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To be responsible for designing and implementing a closure plan to ensure the delivery of the Council s grouped statement of accounts in accordance with the statutory deadlines and without adverse audit opinion.
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To be responsible for ensuring that the Council s chart of accounts is implemented in accordance with best practice and in support of the financial and management information reporting requirements of the Council and other statutory returns.
We are looking for someone who has the following key skills and experience:
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Evidence of a strong intellectual grasp of local government policy and finance especially in relation to closing of accounts and audit.
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Expert knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice.
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CCAB Qualified Accountant with substantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation.
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Ability to develop and deliver presentation materials clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
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Significant experience in range of finance roles including accounting roles., * CCAB Qualified Accountant with substantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation.
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Expert knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice.
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday allowance
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Local Government Pension scheme
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Flexible hybrid working and family friendly policies
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Season ticket and bicycle loans
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A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
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Supportive staff networks, £61,836 – £64,032 per annum (P08).
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Financial Accountant employer: LB Lewisham
Contact Detail:
LB Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with local government finance policies and regulations. Understanding the specific accounting practices and statutory requirements relevant to Lewisham Council will give you a significant edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience with closure plans and audit processes. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed these in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility for the Financial Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Since the role involves presenting to various audiences, practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms to demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Lewisham Council if possible. Gaining insights into the organizational culture and expectations can help you tailor your approach and show that you're a good fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Financial Accountant position. Highlight your relevant experience in local government finance and your knowledge of accounting regulations in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your expertise as a CCAB Qualified Accountant. Emphasize your experience in core accounting systems, closure plans, and audit processes, ensuring it aligns with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your understanding of local government policy and finance. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you meet the key skills and experience required for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise, reflecting your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at LB Lewisham
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Make sure you have a solid grasp of local government policies and finance, especially regarding the closing of accounts and audits. Familiarize yourself with the specific regulations and codes of practice that govern local government accounting.
✨Showcase Your CCAB Qualification
Highlight your CCAB qualification and any relevant experience in dynamic environments. Be prepared to discuss how your background has equipped you to handle the responsibilities of the Financial Accountant role effectively.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to core accounting systems and financial reporting. Brush up on best practices for implementing charts of accounts and be ready to explain how you would ensure the integrity of financial records.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since the role involves presenting financial information to various audiences, practice delivering clear and concise presentations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully communicated complex financial data.
