At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting for a progressive local authority.
- Company: Dynamic local authority focused on high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and mentor future finance leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance and influence strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with local government finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
A progressive local authority in the South East is seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join its finance leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong local government experience to play a key role in delivering high-quality financial management, statutory reporting, treasury oversight, and strategic financial planning.
About the Role
Working closely with the Head of Finance, you will provide expert financial advice and leadership across a broad range of technical and strategic finance activities, including:
- Leading the production of statutory accounts and year-end reporting
- Supporting budget setting, financial planning and medium-term strategy
- Managing treasury activities, investments and borrowing
- Overseeing capital accounting and asset management
- Leading on Collection Fund accounting for Council Tax and Business Rates
- Acting as the technical accounting lead across the organisation
- Managing relationships with external auditors and key stakeholders
- Supporting organisational change programmes and major projects
- Mentoring and developing members of the finance team
About You
You will be a CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with:
- Significant experience within local government finance
- Strong knowledge of statutory reporting and financial accounting standards
- Expertise in treasury, capital and collection fund accounting
- Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach
- Experience leading teams and driving continuous improvement
This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, work closely with senior leadership, and contribute to the delivery of high-quality public services during a period of significant change within local government.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.
Financial Accountant in Maidstone employer: Oyster
As a Principal Planning Officer with our Local Authority in the South East of England, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to shaping sustainable development in the community. We offer a supportive work culture that values professional growth, providing opportunities for continuous learning and engagement with key stakeholders. Enjoy the flexibility of predominantly remote working while making a meaningful impact on major planning applications and contributing to the future of local development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Maidstone
✨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 Oyster. 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 Financial Accountant in Maidstone
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 Oyster.
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 Oyster'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 Oyster
✨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 Oyster.
✨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 Oyster 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 Oyster 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.
