At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to manage a £19 million budget and prepare annual accounts.
- Company: Be part of the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, potential market supplement, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified CCAB member (CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA) with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Role involves travel across South Wales; driving license check required.
The predicted salary is between 43693 - 44711 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Finance, Procurement & Property department based at Fire Service Headquarters. We are looking for a Financial Accountant to join our vibrant team and play a key role in developing our financial strategy and maintaining financial control.
The successful candidate will be a qualified CCAB member, e.g., CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent, and will be responsible for monitoring and reporting the annual capital budget, which is £19 million for 2024/25. They will also be a key player in the preparation of the annual statement of accounts.
Expertise in budget management and financial control is essential for providing information and advice to support decision-making. The postholder will also contribute to the continuous development and improvement of accountancy processes and systems to adapt to an evolving public sector environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are required, along with a team-oriented approach to support the finance team, stakeholders, and senior leaders.
This role may require travel between sites across South Wales, and the successful candidate must be able to travel independently. A driving license check will be required.
- Contract: Permanent
- Grade: 14
- Salary: £43,693 – £44,711 per annum
- Potential Market Supplement: Up to £5,307 per annum (subject to experience and qualifications)
- Hours of Work: 37
- Location: Fire Service HQ
Financial Accountant – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service's financial strategies and recent reports. Understanding their current financial landscape will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector finance field, especially those who have experience with fire services or similar organisations. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your budget management and financial control experience. Be ready to explain how you've contributed to financial strategy development in previous roles, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the challenges currently facing the public sector, particularly in finance. Being able to articulate how you can contribute to overcoming these challenges will set you apart from other candidates and show your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant – South Wales Fire & Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Financial Accountant position. Highlight key skills such as budget management, financial control, and analytical abilities in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your qualifications as a CCAB member and relevant experience in financial accounting. Emphasise your expertise in managing budgets and preparing financial statements, ensuring it aligns with the job's expectations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and how your skills can contribute to the Finance, Procurement & Property department. Mention specific examples of your past achievements in financial strategy development and team collaboration.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Financial Accountant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Accountant, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your knowledge of financial metrics and be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling the £19 million capital budget.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Strong analytical skills are crucial for this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used data to solve problems or improve processes in previous positions. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the continuous development of accountancy processes.
✨Show Team Spirit
This position requires a team-oriented approach. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues and stakeholders in the past. Sharing specific examples of teamwork will demonstrate that you can support the finance team and senior leaders effectively.
✨Prepare for Travel Questions
Since the role may require travel across South Wales, be ready to discuss your ability to travel independently. Mention any relevant experience you have with travelling for work and ensure you have a valid driving license, as this will be checked.