At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, providing financial advice and managing budgets for two directorates.
- Company: Join Telford & Wrekin Council, an award-winning council known for strong financial management.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, generous leave, and a secure pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a respected finance team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with local government experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 4 July 2025; interviews scheduled for the week of 21 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 52000 £ per year.
GROUP ACCOUNTANT
NJC PO21 £57,104 – £60,328 per annum
(Please note the values are prior to pay offer for 2025/26. The pay award, if agreed, would be effective from 1.4.25 or the employee\’s start date and be in addition to the pay range above).
About us
Telford & Wrekin Council is a well-regarded and multi-award winning council, including the prestigious 2025 LGC Council of the Year. As an organisation we demonstrate strong financial management ensuring that we deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents and maintain high quality services. For further information, please see the \’Why work for us\’ page on the Council\’s website – Why work for us? – Telford & Wrekin Council .
We offer our staff a wide range of benefits including:
- Hybrid working (Finance currently work in the office on one day a fortnight)
- Flexible working hours
- Employee discounts and salary sacrifice schemes
- Annual pay increments within the grade
- Local Government Pension Scheme (a defined benefit scheme with very substantial employer contributions)
- Payment of relevant professional fees
- Annual leave entitlement of 24 days with 0-5 years\’ service, 29 days after 5 years, 32 days after 10 years, plus one additional concessionary day in addition to bank holidays (any previous local government employment counts towards service for annual leave purposes).
- Options to purchase up to 4 weeks additional leave.
- Free parking
This Opportunity: Group Accountant
We are offering you the opportunity to join our highly valued and respected Finance Team at Group Accountant level within the Corporate & Capital Finance team. This is a key role within Finance which supports the delivery of strong financial management in the Council.
As Group Accountant, you will lead and manage a team of finance officers and be responsible for the delivery of:
- Financial Advice, Guidance and Support, including budgeting, monitoring and year end accounting, for two Directorates (Finance, People & IDT and Policy & Governance).
- Ongoing Support and Development of two Corporate Financial Systems: the Corporate Financial Management System (Unit 4) and the Income Management System (Civica)
- Technical Support and Advice, specifically in relation to Local Government Funding and the planned reforms
The post reports directly to the Finance Manager: Corporate & Capital.
Key Requirements, Skills & Experience
You will need
To be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with active CPD compliance
Local Government Experience working in at a Senior level in a Finance role, including being the financial lead for a specific area;
Skills to lead, manage and motivate a team
To be organised and self-motivated; and be able to work to and meet challenging deadlines
Excellent communication skills; being able to assess the financial implications of reports and recommendations going to public meetings (e.g. Full Council, Cabinet) and provide advice to Senior Managers and Members
To have up to date technical accounting knowledge and be able to analyse and interpret complex financial information, providing updates to the Finance Manager and Chief Financial Officer as required
To be able to undertake complex financial costings, solve problems and demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying options and solutions
Excellent ICT skills together with an understanding of and aptitude for the financial systems that support the finance function.
Overall, we a looking for someone with the key financial skills required of a Group Accountant, who has drive and enthusiasm and will be proud of their team and the finance service they deliver.
Further information can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification (please note this is a generic job description which covers all Group Accountant posts)
General Information
We are well adapted to a hybrid model of working, including a combination of time spent in the office and at home. Our approach is to promote greater level of flexible working around personal and family commitments. Whilst in the office the post holder will be based at Darby House, located within the vicinity of Telford Town Centre and has easy access links to both road and rail.
If this role is of interest to you, further details can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Closing Date for applications: 4 July 2025
We intend to hold interviews in the week commencing 21 July 2025.
Please provide a personal supporting statement (max. 2 sides of A4) as part of your application, to demonstrate the experience and skills you have for the role. Applications without a personal supporting statement will not be considered.
We are committed to equality and diversity.
If you require any other details or wish to discuss the role further, please contact Edward Rushton; , (01952) 383750 or Pauline Harris; , (01952) 383701.
Please click on the links below to view the job description and person specification.
At Telford & Wrekin Council, we know that having a diverse workforce is key to providing the best possible services to our community. We celebrate having a diverse and inclusive culture where people are able to be themselves at work, and everyone has a voice.
Posts working with children or vulnerable groups will be subject to an appropriate criminal records check. It is an offence to apply for a role that involves engaging in regulated activity with children and adults in vulnerable circumstances if you are barred from working with one or both of these groups.
A CV template is available if you do not already have a CV.
We value our employees and offer staff rewards and plenty of opportunities for personal development and career progression including:
- Competitive rates of pay
- Automatic access to a secure, flexible and tax efficient Local Government Pension Scheme
- Staff benefits and discounts including salary sacrifice schemes
- Free on-site parking
- Generous leave entitlement (24 days rising to 32 days) plus 8 bank holidays and an additional concessionary day
- Free access to our employee assistance programme and confidential counselling
- Flexible and mobile working policy – we are well adapted to a hybrid model of working which includes a combination of time spent in the office and at home – our approach is to promote greater level of flexible working around personal and family commitments
Find out further information about working at Telford & Wrekin Council including our full list of benefits.
Please note that Telford & Wrekin Council do not hold a sponsorship licence for visas.
Attached documents
Job Description/Person Specification
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Group Accountant employer: Telford & Wrekin Council
Contact Detail:
Telford & Wrekin Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems mentioned in the job description, such as Unit 4 and Civica. Understanding these systems will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in local government finance during networking opportunities. Engaging with professionals in this field can provide insights and connections that may lead to recommendations or referrals for the Group Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. The role requires strong team management skills, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed your team members.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and reforms in local government funding. Being knowledgeable about these changes will allow you to speak confidently about their implications during interviews, showcasing your expertise and commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and requirements for the Group Accountant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Personal Supporting Statement: Prepare a personal supporting statement of up to 2 sides of A4 that clearly demonstrates your relevant experience and skills. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your qualifications for the position.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you emphasise your CCAB qualification and any relevant local government experience. Mention your continuous professional development (CPD) compliance to showcase your commitment to maintaining your accounting knowledge.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a finance role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Telford & Wrekin Council
✨Showcase Your Qualifications
As a fully qualified CCAB accountant, make sure to highlight your qualifications and any relevant certifications during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your education and ongoing professional development align with the requirements of the Group Accountant role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this position involves leading a team of finance officers, be ready to share examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and how you plan to support and develop your team at Telford & Wrekin Council.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to local government funding and financial management systems. Brush up on your technical accounting knowledge and be ready to analyse complex financial information. This will show your capability to provide sound financial advice and guidance.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing financial implications of reports. Be prepared to explain how you would present financial information to senior managers and council members.