Group Accountant - Collection Fund

My Local Government client is looking to recruit a lead accountant for Collection Fund accounting, statutory returns and associated financial reporting on a 12 month fixed term basis. The role requires someone with hands‑on experience of Collection Fund accounting who has previous experience providing technical advice that supports key financial decisions and statutory compliance. Day to day you will support colleagues across finance and you will take the lead on business rates and council tax accounting, surplus and deficit calculations, tax base processes, statutory returns and year‑end reporting. The role is being offered on a hybrid basis with circa 1 day a week in the office and a salary of £45,000 to £52,000.

Job Responsibilities

• Leading the Council's Collection Fund accounting function.
• Preparing statutory returns and disclosures.
• Producing forecasts and financial analysis to support medium‑term financial planning.
• Providing specialist advice on Collection Fund legislation and accounting requirements.
• Leading responses to Collection Fund audit queries.
• Coordinating work across Finance, Revenues & Benefits, preceptors and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Collection Fund accounting within a local authority environment.
• Business rates retention and council tax accounting.
• Preparation and submission of NNDR1, NNDR3 and other statutory returns.
• Collection Fund forecasting, tax base calculations and surplus/deficit processes.
• Supporting external audit and statutory reporting requirements.
• Providing technical accounting advice to senior stakeholdersThis is a fixed term role with a salary of £45,000 to £52,000.