At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, provide financial advice, and support decision-making in a public sector environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector team in Hackney with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to coach junior accountants.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes financial decisions and supports local government services.
- Qualifications: Experience in management accounting and advanced spreadsheet skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
About The Role
Contract Length: Until 04/12/26
Location: Hackney
IR35: Inside
Pay Rate to Intermediary: £281 per day
Spinwell is recruiting for a Service Accountant for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.
Responsibilities of the Service Accountant
- Work with relevant budget holders to produce the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle (budget setting, regular budget monitoring, and accounts closing) accurately, to timetable and with clear audit trails of workings, across capital and revenue.
- Provide proactive, high quality and informed financial advice at all levels of operational decision making, with the necessary challenge and/or justification where necessary.
- Build strong working relationships across the authority, and with external stakeholders where relevant, particularly with the services being supported, to ensure best results in operational decisions.
- Provide accurate financial information as necessary for statistical returns, Freedom of Information requests and other information requests (internal and external), as required by the services, and with service input where relevant.
- Know and apply the relevant financial controls, checks and balances in everyday working, taking into account the authority's financial standing orders and scheme of delegation, and wider legislation, and other relevant key documentation.
- Deputise for the Group Accountant where necessary, including management of Accountancy Assistants in the team.
- Provide project management support and finance expertise to the business on specific projects as required.
- Be up-to-date on emerging issues in local government particularly in the services being supported.
- Scan information for emerging financial risks in service areas and alert managers accordingly.
- Work with relevant budget holders and managers to identify solutions and mitigate against emerging financial risks.
- Coach and develop Accountancy Assistants within your service to improve their expertise and understanding of more complex finance issues and retain an up-to-date knowledge in their professional areas.
Skills / Experience of the Service Accountant
- Experience of working in a customer focused management accounting environment.
- Experience of cost centre management across budget setting, budget monitoring and accounts closing (capital and revenue).
- Experience of working with budget holders and providing a service to clients.
- Advanced spreadsheet skills.
- An understanding of local government finance and local government services.
- Experience of working on your own initiative, but with the judgement to identify issues which need to be referred upwards for guidance in order to minimise risk to the organisation.
- Fully qualified AAT or part qualified CCAB and/or experience of working in an accounting environment within a large organisation.
We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.
Service Accountant - Council employer: Spinwell Global
Spinwell is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hackney that fosters professional growth and development. As a Service Accountant, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation, while also receiving competitive pay and opportunities to enhance your skills within the public sector. Join us to make a meaningful impact in local government finance and enjoy a fulfilling career with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Accountant - Council
✨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 contribute to budget setting and monitoring, as well as how you handle financial risks.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your advanced spreadsheet skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've used them in past roles to solve problems or improve processes. This will demonstrate your practical expertise.
✨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 Service Accountant - Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Service Accountant role. Highlight your experience in budget setting, monitoring, and accounts closing, as well as any relevant qualifications like AAT or CCAB. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in local government finance and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Financial Expertise:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your advanced spreadsheet skills and your understanding of financial controls. We’re looking for someone who can provide high-quality financial advice, so give us examples of how you've done this in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spinwell Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Service Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with budget setting, monitoring, and accounts closing. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage capital and revenue effectively.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong working relationships with budget holders and external stakeholders. Think about how you can illustrate your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve financial goals or resolve issues.
✨Stay Current on Local Government Finance
Make sure you're up-to-date on emerging issues in local government finance. Research recent changes or challenges in the sector and be prepared to discuss how they might impact the role. This shows your commitment to staying informed and proactive in your approach.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be expected to coach and develop Accountancy Assistants, highlight any leadership or mentoring experience you have. Prepare to discuss how you've supported team members in understanding complex finance issues and how you can bring that expertise to the role.
