At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Senior Finance Officer, managing budgets and accounts.
- Company: Wychavon District Council is a progressive organisation focused on community well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy agile working, generous leave, and discounts on gym memberships and more.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified with finance experience; local government experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible hours considered; apply by 22 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 29300 - 31600 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and proactive finance professional to join our hard-working and friendly team. You will support our Principal Accountant in preparing revenue budgets, closing accounts, completing returns and calculating the Council’s tax base. Ideally you will be AAT qualified with considerable experience in the preparation and management of budgets and closure of accounts in a busy organisation. You will be able to work independently, providing advice to officers at all levels, and also work well as part of a team. You will be a quick learner, able to pick up complex accounting concepts such as the Collection Fund and take responsibility for areas of work such as returns and reserves.
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification so if your experience looks a little different from what we’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you.
About You
- Excellent communication skills
- A willingness to work as part of a team
- A flexible approach combined with a positive attitude
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to plan, prioritise and organise own workload to meet deadlines while working under pressure
- IT literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Office in particular Excel
- Significant experience in a finance role
- Experience of preparing and managing budgets as well as closing accounts
- Able to work independently
- Local Government experience would be desirable.
About Us
Wychavon District Council is a great place to work, with high levels of resident satisfaction and motivated staff who enjoy working with us. Located in South Worcestershire the district boasts a beautiful natural environment, a rich heritage and plenty to do and see. We pride ourselves on being a progressive organisation who spends time and energy on what we know matters to our residents and communities – things like creating jobs, keeping the streets clean, helping people feel safe and preventing homelessness. Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find.
That’s why, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
- Agile Working (60% minimum office based)
- Excellent pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Options to purchase additional annual leave
- Regular job-specific training
- Discounted Gym and swim membership
- Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Health and Wellbeing support
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and Kaarp discount scheme which provides a range of employee discounts for days out and holidays
For further information about the role please contact Sue Gladwyn, Principal Accountant on 01386 565506 or email or Alice Mason, Head of Financial Services on 01386 565501 or email.
Closing Date: Sunday 22 June 2025
Interviews Date: Tuesday 1 July 2025
Please note if we experience a high intake of applications, we may close the role and interview for the position sooner than advertised.
Location: Pershore
Senior Finance Officer employer: Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
Contact Detail:
Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and practices relevant to local government. Understanding these nuances can set you apart during discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Wychavon District Council. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills, particularly in areas like pivot tables and financial modelling. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these tools can give you an edge in practical assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your ability to manage budgets and close accounts under pressure. Real-life scenarios can effectively demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance, particularly in budget preparation and account closure. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your communication skills and explains why you are a great fit for the Senior Finance Officer role. Mention your AAT qualification and any local government experience, as well as your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your attention to detail, IT literacy (especially in Excel), and your ability to manage workloads under pressure. These are crucial for the role and should be clearly articulated.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, consider following up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the position. This can help keep you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing budgets and closing accounts. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to handle complex financial tasks, especially in a busy environment.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team and adapted to changing circumstances. This will show that you can collaborate well with others while maintaining a positive attitude.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of accounting concepts like the Collection Fund. Be ready to answer technical questions that may arise during the interview, demonstrating your proficiency in finance and IT skills, particularly in Excel.