At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets and financial records in Housing and Adult Social Care.
- Company: Join a respected public sector council focused on professional growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive hybrid work environment with varied tasks.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified CCAB or fully qualified AAT with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our public sector client is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join their finance team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role is ideal for a local government finance professional with experience in Housing and/or Adult Social Care, who enjoys working across complex service areas in a collaborative and proactive environment. This is a great opportunity to contribute your expertise within a respected council that values professional growth, collaboration, and service excellence. Enjoy varied work, clear impact, and a supportive hybrid environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and monitor budgets across Housing and Adult Social Care services, ensuring accurate reporting and forecasting.
- Maintain and reconcile financial records across core systems to ensure data integrity.
- Lead on statutory returns, grant claims, and audit preparation.
- Support budget managers with financial advice, cost analysis, and performance insights.
- Analyse financial and operational data to guide strategic decisions.
- Contribute to continuous improvements in financial processes, systems, and controls.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Background in council Housing or Adult Social Care accounting.
- Part-qualified CCAB accountant (or fully qualified AAT) with strong local authority finance experience.
- Proven background in budget management, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
- Proficient in financial systems, general ledger processes, and advanced Excel.
- Confident communicator with the ability to support and challenge service managers.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Senior Accountant
- Local Government Finance
- Public Sector Accounting
- Council Finance Team
- Financial Management
- Budget Preparation and Monitoring
- Financial Reporting and Forecasting
- Control Account Reconciliations
- Statutory Returns
- VAT Returns and Compliance
- Audit Support
- Internal Audit
- External Audit
- Financial Systems
- Data Integrity
- Medium Term Financial Plan
- Cost Control
- Efficiency Savings
- Value for Money
- General Ledger Systems
- Business Objects
- Report Writing Tools
- BACS Payments
- Excel Advanced Data Analysis
- Reconciliation
- CIPFA Code of Practice
- Financial Regulations Procedures
- CCAB Part Qualified
- Full AAT
- Analytical Skills
- Variance Analysis
- Financial Advice
- Budget Managers
- Negotiation
- Influencing
- Customer Service
- Continuous Improvement
- Attention to Detail
- High Numeracy
- High Literacy
- Communication Skills
- GDPR Compliance
- Information Management Policy
- Safeguarding Awareness
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Risk Management
- Local Authority Regulations
- Freedom of Information Act
- Data Protection Legislation
- Category 1 Responder
- Civil Contingencies Act
- Housing Finance
- Adult Social Care Finance
- Budget Holders
- Senior Leadership Team
- Financial Planning
- Decision Support
- Statutory Compliance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Systems Testing
- System Implementation
- Financial Control
- Financial Assurance
- Audit Liaison
- Grant Claims
- Service Improvement Initiatives
Senior Accountant (Housing) - 12 Month FTC in Portsmouth employer: Panoramic Associates
Join a respected local government council as a Senior Accountant, where your expertise in Housing and Adult Social Care will make a tangible impact. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and service excellence, all within a supportive hybrid environment that values your contributions. This role offers the chance to engage in varied financial responsibilities while being part of a team dedicated to continuous improvement and community service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant (Housing) - 12 Month FTC in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the local government finance sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the council's recent projects and challenges in Housing and Adult Social Care. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their needs and can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and improved processes in past roles. We suggest using real examples that highlight your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant (Housing) - 12 Month FTC in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Housing and Adult Social Care accounting. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your budget management and financial reporting expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working in local government finance and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in financial systems and advanced Excel skills. We love seeing candidates who can analyse data and provide insights, so give us examples of how you've done this in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in budget management and financial reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Housing and Adult Social Care, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires you to support and challenge service managers, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Regulations
Understanding local authority regulations and compliance is crucial. Make sure you're up to date with the latest financial regulations and can discuss how you've navigated these in your previous positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to analyse financial data to guide strategic decisions, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
