At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, provide financial advice, and support major projects in a dynamic public sector environment.
- Company: Join Spinwell, a forward-thinking recruitment agency dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £330 per day and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative team with strong career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or five years of relevant accounting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 77000 € per year.
Role: Group Accountant
Contract Length: Until 31/12/2026
Location: Hackney
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £330 per day
Security Clearance: BPSS
Spinwell is recruiting for a Group Accountant for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GROUP ACCOUNTANT
- Oversees production of the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle (budget setting, budget monitoring and accounts closing) accurately, to timetable and with clear audit trails of workings, across capital and revenue for division being supported.
- Manages Service Accountant and Accountancy Assistant posts supporting same division and ensures team is fit for purpose.
- Support Head of Finance, Assistant Director of Finance and senior management in provision of relevant financial information.
- Ensures the team provides high quality and informed financial advice at all levels of operational decision making, with budget holders being challenged on decisions where necessary.
- Quality assures key financial information that leaves the team, including budget setting, monitoring and closing documents, Freedom of Information requests, statistical returns and all other relevant items.
- Ensures the team provides a customer focused service and builds strong working relationships, particularly with the division being supported, and also more widely across the authority and with external stakeholders.
- To know and apply the relevant financial controls, checks and balances in every day working, taking into account the authority’s financial standing orders and scheme of delegation, wider legislation and other relevant key documentation.
- Ability to work with senior managers to manage, manipulate and model service budgets, in order to present alternative operational strategies and identify service savings.
- Provides financial support to major projects and change programmes.
- To understand and demonstrate the responsibilities of the S151 Officer and apply this where necessary in day to day running of the business.
- To write finance comments in committee reports and prepare briefing notes and other reports relevant to the services being provided.
- Works towards continuous improvement through the refining of financial systems and processes where appropriate.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE OF THE GROUP ACCOUNTANT
- Experience of working in a customer focused management accounting environment.
- An in-depth understanding of local government finance and working within a political environment.
- Experience of managing staff (including appraisals, regular 1:1s, performance management) and awareness of associated processes and procedures.
- Experience of co-ordinating and managing the annual budget cycle within local government.
- Experience of working with senior management and stakeholders including members.
- Strong communication skills including written and the ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial staff at all levels.
- Two years experience as a CCAB qualified accountant or five years accounting experience demonstrating management and supervision.
If you are a Group Accountant, apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!
We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Group Accountant - Council in Hackney employer: Spinwell Global
Spinwell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hackney that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion, we foster a collaborative culture where team members are encouraged to provide high-quality financial advice and build meaningful relationships across the public sector. Our focus on continuous improvement and support for major projects ensures that our employees are engaged in impactful work that contributes to the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - Council in Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how you can manage budgets and provide financial advice effectively. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you've managed teams before, be sure to highlight this in conversations. Talk about how you’ve supported your team and improved processes – it’s all about demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Council in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Accountant role. Highlight your experience in managing budgets and working within local government finance, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is crucial for this role, include examples of how you've conveyed complex financial information to non-financial staff. We love seeing candidates who can bridge that gap effectively!
Detail Your Management Experience:If you've managed teams before, be sure to detail your experience with appraisals and performance management. We value leadership skills, so let us know how you've supported and developed your team in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us. Good luck!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spinwell Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Accountant, you'll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and local government finance principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and provided financial advice in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll likely be managing a team, so highlight your experience in staff management. Prepare examples of how you've conducted appraisals or handled performance management. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and support your team effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to convey financial information to non-financial staff, so being clear and concise is key.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of the S151 Officer and how they relate to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply financial controls and checks in your day-to-day work, showing that you understand the importance of compliance and governance.
