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- Tasks: Join our Accountancy team to provide financial support and analysis for the Council.
- Company: Be part of a council dedicated to eliminating poverty in Luton by 2040.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your finance skills in a diverse team.
- Qualifications: AAT qualification or significant accounting experience is required.
- Other info: We welcome applications from all backgrounds and offer a relocation package.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 41800 £ per year.
About the job
Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 a year
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent
Are you ready to use your financial expertise to make a real difference in your community? At Luton Council, we are looking for an experienced and motivated Accountant to provide high-quality financial support, advice and information to management across a range of services.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our borough, supporting senior leaders with complex financial issues, and contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing professional financial advice, guidance and information to management within allocated service areas.
- Leading and delivering project-based assignments, ensuring sound financial management and value for money.
- Using IT-based financial management systems (preferably Civica Authority Financials) and advanced Excel skills to manage and analyse large, complex datasets.
- Advising senior stakeholders on complex financial issues with the ability to persuade, influence and support decision-making.
- Contributing to forward financial planning, budget strategies and financial training programmes across the organisation.
- Ensuring equal opportunities are embedded in service delivery and supporting continuous improvement.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
What we’re looking for:
- In-depth, demonstrable accountancy/financial experience at an advisory level and on complex issues within at least one area of specialism.
- Strong project management experience, with the ability to lead and deliver financial initiatives.
- High-level analytical and numerical reasoning skills with proven ability to carry out complex financial calculations.
- In-depth knowledge of accountancy principles and practice, with the ability to quickly grasp local authority accounting rules and regulations.
- Full AAT qualification in Accounting (or equivalent), OR significant relevant demonstrable experience.
- A proactive team player, able to work independently and adapt to changing demands.
- A commitment to equal opportunities and its integration into service delivery.
- Flexibility to attend meetings across the borough and occasionally work outside normal office hours.
Why join Luton Council?
- Be part of a team that is making a tangible difference in our community.
- Work in a dynamic and supportive environment where your expertise is valued.
- Access opportunities for professional development and progression.
- Contribute to projects that have a real impact on the lives of residents.
If you’re an experienced finance professional with the skills and motivation to support our vision for Luton, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today and help us shape a brighter future for our borough.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce thatreflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
- From 25 to 32 days’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
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Accountant employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations and policies relevant to local councils. Understanding these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation's goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the council, especially those in the finance department. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to financial strategies or improvements in previous roles. This will showcase your experience and ability to add value to the council's financial operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in public finance and accountancy. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can set you apart from other candidates and show your enthusiasm for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise your qualifications, such as your AAT certification or equivalent experience, and any specific financial analysis or reporting skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for finance and your ability to advise on complex financial issues. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined in the job description.
Highlight Continuous Improvement: In your application, mention any previous experiences where you contributed to continuous improvement in financial processes or strategies. This aligns with the role's emphasis on value for money and innovative approaches.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an accountant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Accountant as outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as providing financial support and ensuring value for money, so you can discuss how your skills align with these requirements.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your AAT qualification or relevant accounting experience in detail. Highlight specific examples of how your background has equipped you to handle complex financial issues and contribute to strategic planning.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role requires a flexible and innovative approach, think of examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in previous positions. Be ready to explain how you responded to these challenges and what the outcomes were.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the team dynamics within the Accountancy Service or how the council measures success in its financial strategies.
