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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 rapidly growing community in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team focused on financial sustainability and community growth.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified CCAB accountant with at least 3 years of accounting experience.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a chance to present findings to senior management.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 82000 £ 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 the local government finance frameworks. Understanding the specific financial regulations and practices that govern local councils will give you a significant edge during interviews, as you'll be able to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness to contribute effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet current employees or industry experts. This can provide you with insights into the role and may even lead to referrals, which can be incredibly beneficial when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial modelling and analysis in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these skills to influence decision-making or improve financial processes in previous roles, as this will showcase your practical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your adaptability and problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated unexpected challenges or improved processes. Highlighting these experiences will show that you're not only qualified but also resilient and flexible—qualities that are essential for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Financial Planning & Analysis Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial planning and analysis, particularly within local government finance. Emphasise your qualifications, such as being a fully qualified CCAB accountant, and include specific examples of your achievements in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Discuss how your skills in financial modelling, risk assessment, and communication can contribute to the Council's financial sustainability and decision-making processes.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any corporate financial management systems you have used. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your experience with medium-term financial planning and local government funding. Prepare to present your insights on financial variance analysis and how you would approach safeguarding the Council’s financial health.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Make sure you have a solid grasp of local government finance frameworks. Brush up on recent changes and how they impact financial planning and analysis, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to evaluate financial impacts of various scenarios. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated funding changes or economic shifts, showcasing your analytical skills.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Finance Stakeholders
Since you'll need to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders, practice summarising intricate data into concise, meaningful reports. Be ready to explain your findings in a way that is easily understood by senior management and council members.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility and Resilience
Highlight your ability to adapt to dynamic business conditions and manage competing priorities. Share specific examples of how you've handled unexpected challenges in previous roles, demonstrating your proactive approach and problem-solving skills.
