At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for a key service division and manage the annual budget cycle.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's internal talent team, dedicated to impactful civic leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence local government finance.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and lead a high-performing team in local government.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or extensive accounting experience with management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Connect2Hackney, the internal talent team for Hackney Council is looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Group Accountant to provide lead financial support to a critical service division. If you are a qualified or highly experienced finance professional looking for a role that combines technical excellence with impactful civic leadership, we want to hear from you!
The Role
As a Group Accountant, you will be the lead financial support role for an assigned service division, with a primary focus on management accounting. This is a high-profile PO8 position where you will act as a trusted advisor to senior management, helping to model budgets, identify savings, and shape alternative operational strategies. You will also take on a vital leadership role, managing a small, dedicated team to ensure they remain high-performing, customer-focused, and fit for purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Budget Cycle: Oversee the accurate production of the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle - budget setting, budget monitoring, and accounts closing - across both capital and revenue for your division.
- Provide Strategic Advice: Deliver high-quality, informed financial advice to guide operational decision-making, and confidently challenge budget holders when necessary.
- People Management: Direct, manage, and develop a Service Accountant and an Accountancy Assistant, overseeing appraisals, 1:1s, and performance management.
- Financial Modeling & Projects: Work with senior managers to manipulate and model service budgets to identify service savings and provide crucial financial support to major projects and change programmes.
- Quality Assurance: Guarantee the integrity of all external financial communications, including committee reports, Freedom of Information requests, and statistical returns.
- Statutory Compliance: Apply relevant financial controls, standing orders, and the scheme of delegation, while upholding the responsibilities of the S151 Officer in day-to-day business.
- Deputise: Step up to deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a proactive collaborator who understands the complexities of working within a political local government environment. You should bring:
- Qualifications & Experience: Either at least two years of experience as a CCAB qualified accountant, OR five years of accounting experience that clearly demonstrates your management and supervisory capabilities.
- Local Government Expertise: An in-depth understanding of local government finance and proven experience coordinating the annual budget cycle within a local authority.
- Exceptional Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex financial data into clear information for non-financial staff at all levels.
- Relationship Building: A track record of building positive, trusted working relationships with budget holders, senior management, and external stakeholders.
Group Accountant - Housing and Regeneration Services. Job in Hackney LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Connect2Hackney offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where finance professionals can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career within local government finance. Located in Hackney, you'll enjoy a vibrant culture that values collaboration, innovation, and civic leadership, making it an excellent place for those looking to contribute to public service.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Accountant - Housing and Regeneration Services. Job in Hackney LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨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 researching Hackney Council and its financial strategies. Show us you understand their challenges and how your skills can help tackle them. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We want to see your application, and applying directly helps us keep track of your progress. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Housing and Regeneration Services. Job in Hackney LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Accountant role. Highlight your experience in management accounting and any relevant local government expertise. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your financial modelling and people management experience, and don’t forget to show your passion for civic leadership.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key, make sure your application reflects your ability to translate complex financial data into clear information. We love seeing candidates who can engage with both financial and non-financial staff effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Group Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to model budgets and identify savings.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of local government finance. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially around the annual budget cycle. Showing that you understand the political landscape will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, think about your leadership style and how you've developed others in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you've conducted appraisals or performance management, and how you foster a high-performing team environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key for this position. Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms, as you may need to present to non-financial staff. Think of ways to illustrate your points clearly and confidently during the interview.
