At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and provide strategic advice for Education and Inclusion services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to community and public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies that impact local communities and support vital services.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with substantial finance experience in complex organisations.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
As the Group Accountant for Education and Inclusion, you will provide strategic financial leadership and expert advice to support the delivery of Council priorities.
You will
- Lead financial management and business partnering across Education and Inclusion services.
- Act as the lead finance advisor for the High Needs Block, overseeing funding, expenditure, and financial sustainability.
- Deliver robust budget monitoring, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Support transformation programmes through financial modelling, business cases, and option appraisals.
- Work with senior managers to identify savings, manage financial risks, and develop recovery plans.
- Contribute to the year-end closedown, Statement of Accounts, statutory returns, and external audit.
- Lead and develop the SEND Finance Team, promoting high performance and continuous improvement.
- Provide trusted financial advice to senior leaders to support effective governance and decision-making.
Essential Requirements
- CCAB or CIMA qualified, or able to demonstrate substantial equivalent experience at a senior level within a finance function.
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) and commitment to maintaining professional knowledge.
- Significant experience of delivering financial management within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
- Extensive experience of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and medium-term financial strategy development.
- Experience of leading or contributing to corporate and service improvement projects, working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- A proven ability to influence, advise, and challenge senior managers and stakeholders to support effective financial decision-making.
- Comprehensive knowledge of local authority finance, statutory accounting requirements, financial reporting standards, and governance frameworks.
- Experience of supporting the annual accounts process, including year-end closedown and the preparation of the Statement of Accounts.
- Understanding of the financial implications of commercialisation, income generation, and transformation within the public sector.
- Experience of leading, developing, and motivating professional finance teams to deliver high-quality services and continuous improvement.
- What You'll Bring
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify practical solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial issues clearly and confidently to non-finance colleagues, senior leaders, and elected members.
- Strong partnership and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative approach to supporting services across the Council.
- A strategic outlook, with the confidence to provide constructive challenge and influence organisational decision-making.
- The ability to manage competing priorities, meet statutory deadlines, and maintain high standards of accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to public service values, good governance, accountability, and delivering value for money for local communities
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GROUP ACCOUNTANT in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like MB Group Management Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace GROUP ACCOUNTANT in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to MB Group Management Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on MB Group Management Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MB Group Management Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with MB Group Management Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at MB Group Management Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former MB Group Management Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
