At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial strategy and improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Join Portsmouth City Council, a unique organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape future services.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic local government environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting transformation and contribute to community success.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit a talented and motivated Group Accountant to join our Children, Families and Education Finance Team.
Your new role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting some of the council's most important services, helping to shape financial strategy, drive improvement, and ensure resources deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. Based within the Finance and Resources Directorate, you will play a pivotal role in the annual budget-setting process for schools, colleges and early years providers. You will ensure funding is allocated effectively and in line with national regulations.
Working closely with senior leaders, schools and other stakeholders, you will monitor and report on financial performance, provide expert advice, and support informed decision-making. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the annual Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget-setting process and school funding arrangements, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, national guidance and council financial regulations.
- Monitoring and reporting on funding performance, identifying financial risks and opportunities, and delivering statutory financial returns and statements.
- Providing high-quality financial analysis, advice and support for key projects, working groups and government reform programmes.
- Supporting the Schools Forum through insightful financial reporting and recommendations.
- Delivering guidance and strategic financial support to maintained schools to promote long-term financial sustainability.
- Supporting the implementation of Department for Education funding reforms and policy changes.
- Building strong relationships with schools, education providers and external partners.
Who is the person summary:
A CCAB qualified accountant with evidence of professional development, you will have experience of building productive relationships and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. With strong leadership and people management skills you will be able to provide strategic financial advice to senior officers and management teams/working groups on finance related issues. You will have a high standard of spreadsheet skills and proven experience of developing and maintaining complex financial models. You will have substantial experience of budget preparation, monitoring, monthly accounts, reconciliations and year-end statutory reporting activity. You will have a sound knowledge of Local Government finance and wider financial and regulatory environment, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to prioritise work to meet key deadlines. Resilient, adaptable and able to perform effectively during demanding periods, you will have a willingness to learn and a proactive approach to learning and personal development.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire. We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority. This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
Additional Information
We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. Interview process will take place: w/c 24 August 2026. Our recruitment process We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Group Accountant in Farnborough employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant in Farnborough
✨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 Portsmouth City Council. 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 Group Accountant in Farnborough
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 Portsmouth City Council.
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 Portsmouth City Council'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 Portsmouth City Council
✨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 Portsmouth City Council.
✨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 Portsmouth City Council 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 Portsmouth City Council 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.
