At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for housing and regeneration services, managing budgets and advising senior management.
- Company: Join Hackney Council's internal talent team for a meaningful civic role.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to build relationships and influence decision-making in a political setting.
- Why this job: Shape local government finance while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified accountant or extensive accounting experience with management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 in London 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 lead a dedicated team, engage in strategic financial planning, and contribute to vital civic projects in Hackney. Join us for a rewarding career that combines technical excellence with the chance to shape local government services.
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 in London
✨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’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills align with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to explain complex financial data clearly, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you feel confident when discussing your experience.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Accountant - Housing and Regeneration Services. Job in Hackney LilyLifestyle Jobs in London
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 local government expertise you have. 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 how you've provided strategic financial advice or led a team, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to see how you can translate complex financial data into understandable terms!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
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 oversee budget cycles and provide strategic advice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a small team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of instances where you've developed team members or improved performance. Highlight your experience with appraisals and how you foster a high-performing environment.
✨Understand Local Government Finance
Familiarise yourself with the intricacies of local government finance. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, especially regarding statutory compliance and financial controls.
✨Communicate Clearly
Exceptional communication is key for this role. Practice explaining complex financial data in simple terms. You might be asked to present information to non-financial staff, so think about how you can make your points clear and engaging.
