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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and manage a team in a dynamic local government setting.
- Company: Progressive local government organisation in Bedford with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market rate supplement, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local finances while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with local authority experience and strong financial acumen.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you looking to join a progressive and dynamic local government organisation in Bedford? If so, this opportunity might be perfect for you!
Deliver the organisation's Financial Statements in line with Statutory requirements and timescales. Manage the organisation's Technical Accounting functions including Capital Strategy/Planning, Treasury Management, Banking, Taxation, and the Accounts Payable team. Manage and motivate a team of finance staff in the delivery of financial support services. This is a permanent position and the working arrangement is currently hybrid - 3 days a week in the office. PREVIOUS LOCAL AUTHORITY EXPERIENCE IS ESSENTIAL.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for leading on all aspects of Technical Accounting including: Closure of Accounts, Technical Finance advice, External Audit, Treasury Management, Capital planning and Capital budget process, Capital strategy.
- Reports and financial information and direct support to Portfolio Holders, Directors, Assistant Chief Executives and Chief Officers to enable them to effectively oversee the management of the organisation's finances.
- Lead on Capital Strategy development, capital planning and annual capital budget process and provide financial advice and guidance on financial developments.
- Provide support and a robust challenge throughout the financial year in relation to Capital budget monitoring complying at all times with agreed timetables.
- Support Budget Managers through direct contact and responding to ensure there is effective financial control across the organisation, robust decision making and to enable expenditure to remain within budget.
- Lead the closure of accounts, production of the Statement of Accounts External Audit and member training, complying with agreed timetables.
- Ensure all Grants, Statistical Returns and other Returns are made to the appropriate standard and within agreed timescales.
- Ensure at all times that working papers are at an appropriate standard as determined.
- Effectively represent the Assistant Chief Executive/Chief Officer for Finance at Committees, meetings, external working groups etc.
- This will entail working across a broad spectrum of projects and assignments, seeking expertise from within the finance function and incorporating other relevant information from different disciplines across the organisation and from third parties.
- Review and appraise on the financial implications of new legislation and regulations and fully respond, as required, to emerging proposals affecting the Authority.
- Lead financial aspects of the organisation’s major capital projects ensuring robust financial appraisals, including policy option reviews and cost/benefit analysis of service related proposals.
Personal Requirements
- Previous local authority experience is essential.
- Must be CCAB or CIMA Qualified with post qualification experience in a similar role with a similar level of responsibility including leading a team.
- CPD participation.
- Have a good level of understanding of accounting principles and standards and legislation relating to Local Authority accounts along with experience of final accounts closure, budget planning and capital financing.
- Have the ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex financial information and legislation and an understanding of the economic environment and statistical techniques.
Working Hours
9:00am-5:00pm, Monday to Friday
Salary £64,866 - £72,562 per annum + £4,000 market rate supplement
Finance Manager / Finance Business Partner / Local Authority Accountant in Bedford employer: Positive Employment
Contact Detail:
Positive Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager / Finance Business Partner / Local Authority Accountant in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in local government or finance. Attend industry events and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their financial strategies and recent projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to technical accounting and team management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your delivery.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager / Finance Business Partner / Local Authority Accountant in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your local authority experience and relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements in technical accounting and team management!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm for local government work, so share your passion for finance and how you can contribute to our dynamic team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of technical accounting, make sure to highlight your expertise in areas like Treasury Management and Capital Strategy. We want to know how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past and what tools you used to succeed!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around local authority accounting principles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your expertise in areas like Capital Strategy and Treasury Management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think of instances where you've successfully led a finance team. Highlight how you motivated your team, tackled challenges, and ensured effective financial control across projects.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into technical accounting functions. Review the closure of accounts process, external audits, and capital budget planning. Being able to explain these concepts clearly will show your depth of knowledge.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific financial situations or challenges that may arise in a local authority setting. This could include budget overruns or new legislation impacts. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills will set you apart.
