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- Tasks: Lead finance transition planning and support financial systems implementation for a major merger.
- Company: Join a government organisation in Somerset focused on housing management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant transition and help shape the future of housing management.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with experience in financial accounting and system changes.
The predicted salary is between 48226 - 48226 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Transition Accountant for our client, a government organisation in Somerset. The successful post holder will support a major transition as the organisation prepares to merge with another's In-House Housing Management team to create a single 10,000 home operating model with effect from 1 September 2026. This fixed-term role will play a key part in ensuring financial readiness for go-live.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead finance transition planning, ensuring all finance-related activities required for go-live are identified, sequenced and delivered.
- Define and manage finance cutover arrangements, including treatment of accruals, prepayments, provisions, opening balances and straddling transactions.
- Support preparation and validation of opening balances for the new operating model.
- Develop and maintain a finance transition risk register and mitigation plan.
- Provide hands-on finance support during go-live and early stabilisation to resolve issues quickly and minimise disruption.
- Lead the consolidation, redesign and implementation of the chart of accounts to support the enlarged 10,000-home organisation.
- Configure and test financial systems to support new service structures, cost centres, budget holder responsibilities and reporting hierarchies.
- Support data migration, system testing and validation of transferred financial data.
- Ensure finance systems are appropriately set up to support statutory reporting, management reporting and audit requirements.
- Support the establishment and embedding of budget holder responsibilities for transferring teams.
- Establish and/or review reconciliations for key balance sheet and control accounts to support a robust control environment at go-live.
- Support the design and implementation of SLAs between the organisation and the new operating model.
- Ensure income streams (including management fees, service charges and recharges) are correctly set up within the finance system and aligned to accounting policies.
- Produce clear documentation of new or revised finance processes, controls and system configurations.
Personal Requirements:
- CCAB-qualified accountant (or equivalent experience).
- Strong experience in financial accounting within local government, housing, ALMO or a similar public sector environment.
- Proven experience supporting finance system changes, restructures or organisational transitions.
- Strong technical understanding of chart of accounts design, reconciliations, controls and financial reporting.
- Experience of working in complex stakeholder environments and across organisational boundaries.
- Ability to work at pace in a time-limited, delivery-focused role.
- Experience of go-live or cutover support in finance transformation projects (Desirable).
- Experience of working with internal or external auditors on change programmes (Desirable).
Working Hours: 36hrs / Monday - Friday
Pay: £48,226.00
Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Transition Accountant employer: Positive Employment
Contact Detail:
Positive Employment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Transition Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with transitions. They might have insider info or even know about openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial systems and transition processes. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar situations in the past, as this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your soft skills! Being able to work across organisational boundaries and manage complex stakeholder environments is key. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated these challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We want to see your application and help you get noticed by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Transition Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Transition Accountant role. Highlight your experience in financial accounting, especially within local government or similar sectors. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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. Mention specific experiences that relate to finance transition planning and system changes, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical understanding of chart of accounts design and reconciliations. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see your relevant skills front and centre!
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 receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Transition Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts related to local government and housing management. Be ready to discuss your experience with financial systems and how you've handled transitions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves working across different organisations, so highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare examples of how you've navigated challenges in previous roles and how you ensured smooth communication during transitions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around finance cutover arrangements and risk management. Think of specific scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or resolve issues during a transition, and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Understand the Organisation's Goals
Research the government organisation and its mission. Understand their current financial systems and the challenges they face with the upcoming merger. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.