At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget managers and provide financial advice across various service areas.
- Company: Join a Local Authority dedicated to community welfare and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with one day on-site each week.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local services while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or extensive local government experience preferred.
- Other info: Immediate start available for the right candidates.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Due to some internal moves, a Local Authority currently has a need for 3 Interim Service Accountants to work across the following service areas:
- Children's Social Care
- Education/DSG
- Adult's Social Care
You will report into the relevant Finance Business Partner for the relevant service area.
Role:
- Build and maintain successful working relationships with budget holders in the Directorate in order to act as a 'critical friend' by providing support, advice, and challenge to support the strategic and operational decision-making function of the service.
- Manage and train the service finance team to promote a customer service culture and effectively deliver the agreed service plan delegated to the post holder.
- Produce or assist in producing financial advice and support to elected Members, Corporate Directors, senior managers, budget managers, and colleagues within the Finance Division to the highest professional standards and within prescribed timescales.
- Coordinate the detailed revenue and capital budget preparation for the relevant service in line with the corporate timetable and process.
- Provide advice and guidance to budget managers in setting their detailed budgets and understanding their cost drivers.
- Undertake more in-depth budget reviews for complex, high risk, or volatile budgets.
- Support budget managers to fulfil their budget management responsibilities.
Ideally CCAB qualified or have extensive local government experience in either of the above service areas. Hybrid working with 1 day a week on site. Looking for a start within the next month.
Interim Service Accountants employer: MLC Partners
Contact Detail:
MLC Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Service Accountants
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in local government finance. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people already working in the sector. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by local authorities, especially in the areas of Children's Social Care and Adult's Social Care. Being knowledgeable about current issues will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing budgets and providing financial advice. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported decision-making processes, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to build relationships with budget holders. Be ready to explain how you've previously acted as a 'critical friend' in your past roles, as this is a key aspect of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Service Accountants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Interim Service Accountants position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in financial management and local government.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous roles where you acted as a 'critical friend' or provided financial advice to budget managers. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and support decision-making.
Showcase Qualifications: If you are CCAB qualified or have extensive experience in local government, make sure to mention this prominently in your application. Include any relevant certifications or training that align with the role's requirements.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that addresses the specific service areas mentioned in the job description. Explain why you are interested in this role and how your skills can contribute to the success of the Local Authority.
How to prepare for a job interview at MLC Partners
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Interim Service Accountant. Familiarise yourself with the specific service areas mentioned, such as Children's Social Care and Adult's Social Care, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
If you're CCAB qualified or have relevant local government experience, be ready to discuss this in detail. Highlight specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and provide financial advice effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex budgets. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully managed challenging financial situations or provided critical support to budget managers.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Since the role involves building relationships with budget holders, be prepared to discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and trust. Share examples of how you've acted as a 'critical friend' in previous positions to support decision-making.