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- Tasks: Manage budgets, provide financial guidance, and support strategic planning.
- Company: Join a dynamic Council Finance Team focused on resilience and insight.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies and service improvements.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified accountant with strong financial management skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About this job
We are strengthening our Finance Team to deliver enhanced resilience, sharper financial insight and greater support across the Council. As such, we are seeking highly motivated Service Accountant to join our Finance Team and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality financial support across budgeting, reporting, compliance and operational processes. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to strategic financial planning while supporting service improvement and organisational priorities. You will:
- Be responsible for budget planning, monitoring and forecasting for revenue and capital budgets for a portfolio of services.
- Provide expert financial guidance to budget managers and project managers, ensuring alignment with service objectives.
- Support statutory reporting, year-end closure, audit preparation and financial disclosures.
- Oversee transactional finance, including payments, invoicing, grant accounting and asset management.
- Maintain financial systems integrity through reconciliation, data cleansing and control account management.
- Collaborate with HR and service teams to ensure budget accuracy and workforce planning.
- Contribute to corporate financial strategies, service improvement initiatives and the Finance Business Plan.
- Promote financial literacy across the organisation and support training of junior staff.
Special requirements for this post
Re-applying for posts Applicants who have not been shortlisted or who are unsuccessful at interview cannot reapply for the same job if it\’s within 6 months of the first advert – for further information please refer to our Jobs and Career Page – \’Working for us and Information for Applicants\’ on our website.
About you
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified or part-qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent), with proven experience and capability across key areas of financial management and planning. Most importantly, will demonstrate strong personal drive, ambition and a growth mindset, committed to delivering impact, developing professionally and progressing into a top-tier finance professional. Combining strong technical expertise with effective communication and stakeholder engagement, you will be:
- an experienced and results-driven finance professional with a proven ability to manage the complete financial cycle, from budget planning and monitoring to year-end closure and audit support;
- Demonstrates strong technical expertise in accounting principles, balance sheet management and complex reconciliations, combined with analytical skills and a meticulous attention to detail;
- Skilled in translating complex financial data for non-financial stakeholders, guiding budget managers, and delivering service improvements;
- Buil ds trusted relationships through credible engagement and constructive challenge;
- Highly resilient and organised, able to navigate competing priorities while consistently maintaining high performance;
- Committed to ongoing professional development and contributing to strategic organisational goals.
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Service 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 Service Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to financial management and reporting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply blindly! Tailor your approach for each role by researching the organisation’s values and recent projects. Show how your skills align with their goals, especially in areas like budget planning and service improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep an eye on our website for the latest job postings. Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by our hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Service Accountant role. Highlight your budgeting, reporting, and compliance experience to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about finance and how your background aligns with our goals. Don’t forget to mention your growth mindset and commitment to professional development.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We want to see your technical expertise in action! Be specific about your experience with financial systems, reconciliations, and statutory reporting. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our Finance Team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Accountant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial data all day long. Brush up on your financial principles and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets or improved financial processes in the past. This will show your technical expertise and give you confidence during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to translate complex financial data for non-financial stakeholders, so practice explaining your past experiences in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your achievements in budgeting and reporting without using too much jargon. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with various teams effectively.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
Prepare to discuss how you've contributed to strategic financial planning in previous roles. Think about specific initiatives you've been part of that align with organisational goals. This will highlight your ambition and growth mindset, which are key traits they're looking for.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves collaboration with HR and service teams, be ready to talk about how you've built trusted relationships in the past. Share examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders and provided guidance to budget managers. This will showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to work well within a team.