At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate accounting services and manage annual accounts and statutory returns.
- Company: Join Surrey and Sussex Police, dedicated to keeping communities safe.
- Benefits: Enjoy career progression, generous leave, on-site gyms, and mental wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified CCAB accountant with experience in complex financial environments.
- Other info: Role involves travel to police sites in Surrey and Sussex.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.
In this role you will be
The Reporting and Statutory Returns Accountant will play a leading role in delivering corporate accounting services and fulfilling the Forces’ financial statutory obligations.
They will manage the production of the annual accounts and the statutory returns.
They will coordinate the support and response to internal and external audit engagements.
They will supervise the maintenance of the balance sheets and bank reconciliations, and fulfil statutory obligations for areas such as Pension Accounting and Budgeting.
To be successful in this role, you must have a solid financial background as a qualified CCAB (i.e. ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) accountant with relevant experience of working within a large and complex financial environment.
Comprehensive knowledge of the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom.
Extensive experience in financial accounting, maintaining ledgers, reconciliations and journals, financial reporting, managing audit support, pensions accounting, annual close down and preparing a statement of accounts.
Proven ability to meet tight deadlines within unpredictable and demanding environments whilst delivering high quality products
Experience of interpreting and applying financial accounting policies accurately and effectively to ensure compliance and accurate reporting.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to explain complex technical accounting to non-finance stakeholders.
Ability to regularly review procedures or systems with teams to identify improvements and simplify processes and decision making.
Able to establish effective working relationships with Finance colleagues in order to deliver financial reporting obligations
An enthusiastic and empowering management and leadership style with high levels of self-motivation and resilience as well as the tenacity to see difficult issues through to their natural conclusion.
Ability to analyse complex Finance issues and risk, ensuring ethical, legal and best practice solutions are implemented.
Experience and proven ability to lead a team of Assistant Accountants.
Additional Requirement: This role will involve travel to and working at police sites in both Surrey and Sussex.
Starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
Chief Constables’ Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner, We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
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career progression
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contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
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generous annual leave allowance
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discounts for everyday spend
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on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
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generous and supportive parental leave
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financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
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discounted contributory healthcare scheme, Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.
Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;
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vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
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vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
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if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment
For further information/an informal discussion for this role, please contact Ricardo Herrera-Delgado by emailing Ricardo.Herrera-Delgado@surrey.police.uk
Reporting & Statutory Returns Accountant employer: Surrey Police
Contact Detail:
Surrey Police Recruiting Team
Ricardo.Herrera-Delgado@surrey.police.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Reporting & Statutory Returns Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the financial environment you'll be working in.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing audit support and financial reporting during your conversations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex financial situations, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Since this role involves working closely with non-finance stakeholders, practice explaining complex accounting concepts in simple terms. This will help you convey your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style by sharing examples of how you've empowered your team in previous roles. Discussing your management approach will show that you're not just a numbers person, but also someone who can inspire and lead others.
We think you need these skills to ace Reporting & Statutory Returns Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Reporting & Statutory Returns Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in financial accounting, managing audits, and preparing statutory returns. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role requires explaining complex accounting concepts to non-finance stakeholders, include examples in your application that showcase your excellent oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrate Leadership Abilities: If you have experience leading a team or managing projects, be sure to mention this in your application. Highlight your management style and how you empower your team to achieve their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Police
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Make sure to highlight your qualifications as a CCAB accountant and your experience in large financial environments. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed financial reporting, reconciliations, and audits in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of CIPFA Code
Familiarize yourself with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting. During the interview, be ready to explain how you have applied this knowledge in your past work and how it can benefit the organization.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Finance Stakeholders
Since the role requires explaining complex accounting concepts to non-financial colleagues, practice articulating these ideas in simple terms. Prepare examples where you've successfully communicated financial information to diverse audiences.
✨Emphasize Team Leadership Skills
Discuss your experience leading teams, particularly in financial settings. Highlight your management style and how you empower team members to achieve their best, especially in high-pressure situations.