At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial advice, manage budgets, and produce accurate financial reports.
- Company: Join a Local Authority with a strong finance team and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local governance while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified or fully qualified AAT with experience in finance roles.
Sellick Partnership are working with a Local Authority who are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join their established Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional to provide high-quality financial support to a range of services, partnering with budget holders and senior stakeholders to deliver sound financial management, robust governance and informed decision-making.
The responsibilities of the Senior Accountant will be:
- Provide financial advice and business partnering support to service managers and budget holders across a range of Council services
- Lead on budget preparation, financial forecasting and ongoing budget monitoring to support effective financial planning
- Produce accurate management accounts, financial reports and analysis to inform strategic and operational decisions
- Support the production of the Council's annual accounts and ensure financial information is prepared in line with statutory requirements
- Maintain strong financial controls, including reconciliations and compliance with financial regulations and internal procedures
- Prepare and submit statutory and financial returns as required
- Develop financial reporting processes and identify opportunities to improve systems and ways of working
- Supervise and support members of the finance team, providing guidance, coaching and technical expertise where required
- Build effective working relationships with stakeholders across the organisation, providing clear financial advice on both planned initiatives and day to day matters
- Contribute to continuous service improvement and support the delivery of corporate financial objectives
The ideal candidate for the Senior Accountant role will have:
- Part-qualified accountant or fully qualified AAT, ideally
- A minimum of three years' experience within a finance or accountancy environment
- Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reporting
- Strong knowledge of financial controls and accounting principles
- Previous experience supporting or managing finance staff would be advantageous
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial information and present meaningful insights
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite
- The ability to prioritise competing workloads and deliver to tight deadlines
- Experience within Local Government finance or the public sector would be advantageous but is not essential
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Senior Accountant in Newbury employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant in Newbury
✨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 Sellick Partnership. 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 Senior Accountant in Newbury
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 Sellick Partnership.
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 Sellick Partnership'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 Sellick Partnership
✨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 Sellick Partnership.
✨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 Sellick Partnership 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 Sellick Partnership 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.
