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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis to support the Council's financial health.
- Company: Join Barking and Dagenham, a vibrant and diverse community in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a dynamic team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified CCAB accountant with at least 3 years of experience.
- Other info: Flexibility and resilience are key traits for success in this role.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
As the Senior Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant, you will play a key role in providing insights to help drive financial decision-making and support the overall financial sustainability of the Council. This role develops and manages: the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS); evidenced-based forecasting; financial variance and risk analysis; setting a legal balanced budget; and the financial reporting processes.
Key duties & responsibilities include:
- Lead by example to ensure Finance is consistently consulted on decisions and wider service performance impacting budgets, promoting financial standards and best practices across the Council to ensure a financially compliant and well-run organisation.
- Lead on financial planning, analysis, reporting and recommendations to safeguard the Council's financial health including the medium-term financial planning.
- Support decision making by evaluating risks, mitigation, opportunities and savings initiatives.
- Complete various Government returns on time.
- Prepare reports to members, briefing notes and publications on the Council's financial plans, changes in Government funding, budget monitoring, and present reports at meetings, where necessary.
- Provide support in relation to the setting of Council Tax and setting of robust fees and charges.
About you:
To succeed in this role, you will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant actively maintaining continuing professional development and is an active member of the accountancy body. You will have at least 3 years accounting experience including 1 year post qualification, and sound practical knowledge of local government finance frameworks. Your skills will include the ability to assess the financial impact of various scenarios such as funding and economic changes, as well as strong financial modelling and analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex data.
You will have practical experience in:
- Medium term financial planning.
- Local Government funding.
- Communicating complex financial information in concise and meaningful reports tailored to non-finance stakeholders including presenting financial findings and strategic recommendations to senior management and Members.
- Identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions to improve processes and financial systems through effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Flexibility will be one of your key traits coupled with adapting to dynamic business conditions, handling unexpected challenges and being resilient to manage conflicting and competing priorities. Proficiency to use Microsoft Excel and other standard office IT systems such as Word and PowerPoint, and experience of using corporate financial management systems is fundamental.
About us:
Our Vision: ONE BOROUGH; ONE COMMUNITY; NO-ONE LEFT. Barking and Dagenham is not just any borough-it's a vibrant, culturally diverse community, and one of the fastest-growing areas in London. As the borough continues to evolve, we are committed to making it a place where people are proud to live, work, study, and stay. With rapid population growth and transformative change happening around us, there's no better time to further your career in a place where you can truly make a difference.
Our Finance team is at the heart of this transformation. We are expanding to ensure that finance is central to decision-making, helping the Council achieve financial sustainability and adapt to the challenges faced by local government. By joining us, you'll be part of a proactive, innovative team that collaborates closely with key stakeholders to drive positive change across the borough. We offer a dynamic, fulfilling career path that promises diversity, excitement, and the opportunity to make a real impact.
Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Accountant employer: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with local government finance frameworks. Understanding the specific financial regulations and practices that govern local councils will give you a significant edge in discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your financial modelling and analytical skills. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during practical assessments or discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in medium-term financial planning. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully contributed to financial strategies in previous roles, as this is a key responsibility of the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This role requires presenting findings to non-financial stakeholders, so demonstrating your ability to convey information clearly will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Accountant position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your accounting experience, particularly in local government finance and financial planning. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to assess financial impacts and communicate complex information effectively.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any corporate financial management systems you've used. Mention your analytical skills and experience with financial modelling, as these are crucial for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the Council's vision and how your background aligns with their goals. Discuss how you can contribute to their financial sustainability and decision-making processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Make sure you brush up on local government finance frameworks and the specific financial challenges faced by councils. Being able to discuss these topics will show your understanding of the role and its impact on the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to evaluate financial scenarios, such as funding changes or economic shifts. Prepare examples from your experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be presenting complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. Bring examples of reports or presentations you've created that demonstrate this skill.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your financial modelling and analytical skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you've used data to drive decision-making or improve financial processes, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
