Accountant - London SE1

The role: In this dynamic role, you’ll be at the forefront of financial stewardship for Southwark Council’s Adult Social Services, Public Health, and Integrated Health & Care Directorates. As an integral member of our Professional Finance Services division, you’ll provide expert financial and management accounting support that drives meaningful outcomes for our community. This is more than a numbers job; it’s about influencing decisions, enabling growth, and shaping a sustainable future for vital public services. Your days will be varied and impactful as you partner closely with budget holders, delivering expert advice and insights that guide sound financial decisions. You’ll ensure financial reports are not just accurate but insightful, turning data into a clear vision for the directorates you support. From monthly forecasting and budget updates to year-end account closures and liaison with auditors, your work will be instrumental in keeping our financial operations sharp and transparent. Collaboration is at the heart of this position. You’ll actively engage in cross-departmental meetings, contributing to council-wide revenue and capital strategies. Whether refining financial management processes, developing SAP systems, or ensuring contracts are financially sound, your work will directly enhance the quality of services we deliver. Beyond technical excellence, you’ll have the opportunity to bring innovation to our systems, integrating budgets and fostering continuous improvement. This role is steeped in purpose and responsibility. You’ll provide critical financial input for cabinet and committee reports, offering clarity and solutions that balance resources and savings requirements. By shaping options for resource allocation and supporting key projects, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring Southwark Council meets its financial targets while delivering exceptional service to our residents. Key responsibilities: Provide expert financial advice and support to budget holders within the Public Health and Adult Social Care Directorates, guiding them through budgeting, forecasting, and financial decision-making Deliver clear, accurate, and insightful financial reporting, including monthly forecasts, year-end accounts, and budget updates to inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Support high-level projects and contribute professional financial input for cabinet and committee reports, ensuring compliance and clarity in resource planning. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance financial management processes, integrating revenue and capital budgets to meet service objectives. Monitor financial transactions, contractor payments, and programme budgets to maintain transparency and control across all operations. Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, including SAP, and champion innovation to streamline processes and reporting. How will you make an impact as our Accountant? Hold an AAT qualification or be actively working towards a CCAB qualification, with proven professional financial experience. Knowledge of local government finance, including accounting standards and financial regulations. Demonstrate expertise in financial planning, monitoring, forecasting, and reporting to support informed decision-making. Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial management systems, ideally SAP. Skilled in analysis and interpretation of complex financial information to guide strategy and improve outcomes. Track record of improving financial processes and systems through innovation and automation. Ability to communicate financial concepts effectively, tailoring your approach to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with teams across the organisation. Additional details: Full Time, 36 hours per week. Salary range £44,430 – £51,663 per annum. For an informal discussion about the role, or if you would like any further information, please contact Adrian Tapping at / Anita Lau at Benefits and more information: In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive: A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff) Strong supportive senior management team Regular one to one supervision Professional development & training opportunities Clear career development pathways Agile and flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Season ticket and cycle loans Annual Leave starting at 29 days per year, increasing to 37 (with length of service) (pro rata for part time staff) Wellbeing programme HSF Health plan and eye care scheme EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support Social clubs and staff groups Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria: Members of the Armed Forces and veterans Are currently in care, or have previously been in care If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition Recruitment timetable: Closing date: 12/01/2025 at 23:59* *We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Shortlisting date: 21/01/2025 Interview and Assessment: week commencing 03/02/2025 We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme . We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council. #LI-PC1 Salary: £44430 – £51663 per annum