Are you an accounting professional looking to apply your financial expertise in a role that directly supports public services and community outcomes? We are seeking a motivated and analytical Accountant to join our Finance Directorate and contribute to the effective financial management, accountability and long-term sustainability of the Council.
Working closely with senior managers, budget holders and finance colleagues, you will provide financial guidance, support budget planning and monitoring, maintain effective financial controls and help identify opportunities to improve efficiency and value for money. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys problem-solving, collaborative working and using financial insight to support informed decision-making within a complex public-sector environment.
Responsibilities of the Accountant
- Support the operational delivery of accountancy and financial management services, ensuring compliance with Council policies, financial procedures and statutory requirements.
- Assist with the preparation, development and monitoring of service budgets, providing clear financial information to support effective resource allocation and decision-making.
- Monitor the financial performance of allocated service areas, identifying variances, emerging risks and potential budget pressures, and escalating issues where appropriate.
- Provide financial advice and guidance to service managers and Council officers, helping them understand financial implications and make informed operational decisions.
- Undertake a range of accounting activities, including budget setting, financial monitoring, year-end processes and the closure of accounts.
- Carry out financial control activities, including reconciliations and other checks that support the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
- Support treasury management processes, grant claims, financial returns and other accounting requirements as allocated.
- Contribute to the development and review of financial strategies, policies, procedures and service plans to strengthen financial management across the Council.
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, operational efficiency and value for money while maintaining appropriate financial controls.
- Support the Council in meeting its statutory financial responsibilities, including those associated with the Section 151 Officer.
- Respond to internal and external audit enquiries, providing accurate supporting information within agreed timescales.
- Identify and report suspected financial irregularities to the appropriate senior officers in accordance with established procedures.
- Contribute to service improvement initiatives, encouraging innovation, professional standards and effective financial management practices.
- Support the training and development of colleagues, promoting continuous professional development and the sharing of financial knowledge.
- Provide day-to-day supervision and guidance to allocated staff where required, supporting performance, attendance and effective service delivery.
- Maintain the confidentiality, security and accuracy of financial information in accordance with data protection legislation and Council policies.
- Work collaboratively with finance colleagues, operational teams and other stakeholders to ensure financial services remain responsive to organisational needs.
Skills and Background of the Accountant
We are looking for a capable Accountant with sound accounting knowledge, strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across a local authority.
Essential Knowledge and Experience of the Accountant
- Relevant accounting knowledge gained through professional training, qualifications or practical experience.
- Experience undertaking financial management or accountancy activities, such as budget monitoring, reconciliations, financial reporting or year-end accounting.
- Understanding of financial controls, accounting procedures and the importance of maintaining accurate financial records.
- Knowledge of budgetary management and the ability to identify financial variances, risks and potential corrective actions.
- Understanding of governance, audit requirements and the need to comply with statutory obligations and organisational financial procedures.
- Ability to interpret financial information and explain its implications to non-finance colleagues.
- Experience working collaboratively with managers and colleagues to support effective financial decision-making.
- Good working knowledge of financial systems and standard IT applications used for accounting, reporting and data analysis.
Skills and Professional Attributes of the Accountant
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to organise workloads, meet deadlines and manage competing priorities effectively.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and provide practical financial advice.
- A proactive approach to identifying issues, investigating discrepancies and recommending improvements.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across different service areas.
- Commitment to accuracy, integrity, accountability and the responsible management of public funds.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a wider finance team.
- A commitment to continuous professional development, service improvement and delivering value for money.
Desirable Experience of the Accountant
- Experience working in local government or another public-sector finance environment.
- Familiarity with local authority financial governance and the statutory responsibilities associated with Section 151.
- Experience supporting internal or external audits, grant claims and year-end financial processes.
- Experience supervising staff or supporting colleagues with their professional development.
If you are an analytical and collaborative finance professional who wants to use your accounting expertise to strengthen financial management and support essential public services, we would welcome your application for this Accountant role.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
