At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support budget development for Warwickshire County Council.
- Company: Join a top-performing local authority known for innovation and exceptional financial management.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of strategic decision-making in local government finance.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with substantial experience in a similar role.
- Other info: Fluency in English is required; commitment to equality and diversity is a priority.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Warwickshire County Council is a top performing local authority with a reputation for innovation, efficiency and exceptional financial management. We have recently set our budget for 2025/26 with a balanced Medium-Term Financial Strategy through to 2029/30. In addition, our accounts are up to date, with our 2023/24 Statement of Accounts receiving a clean audit opinion and our latest Value for Money audit awarding us top marks across all indicators, including Financial Sustainability.
We have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and experienced finance professional to step into the Senior Accountant – Financial Strategy role within our Strategic Finance team. If you can match our ambition to drive Warwickshire County Council forward through an exciting period for Local Government Finance, we would like to hear from you.
About the Role
This role is critical to continuing our high performance, working with senior leaders at the heart of strategic decision-making to deliver a complex portfolio of work. The ideal candidate will be professional and enthusiastic, and ready for a new challenge to help us take our team and processes to the next level. You will be a qualified accountant with substantial post qualification experience in a similar role.
Playing a central role in the Finance Service, you’ll be joining a team of three reporting to the Finance Manager – Financial Strategy, to support the ongoing development and implementation of the Council’s annual budget and medium-term financial strategy. This will include co-ordinating the detailed build of the medium-term financial strategy and involve the scrutiny of service spending plans, financial pressures and savings delivery, alongside the management of revenue funding streams including council tax, business rates and grant income.
The role will provide outstanding strategic, technical and specialist financial advice and support to the Head of Strategic Finance, the Director of Finance and Corporate Board, working with the wider finance service and directorate leadership teams on all aspects of financial planning and management. With responsibilities including budget monitoring and reporting, pre-audit statement of accounts reviews and completion of related statutory returns, your role will also be crucial to the successful delivery of the Council’s financial reporting framework.
Key Requirements
We’re looking for a qualified and experienced finance professional, who can:
- Identify, plan and implement innovative solutions to meet business needs.
- Demonstrate an ability to influence thinking, build strong relationships and work collaboratively.
- Manage risk and performance effectively to meet and exceed expected standards.
- Work within high performing and matrix-managed teams with a commitment to excellence.
Additional Information
The Fluency Duty is outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. The Fluency Duty for this role is Required. You must be able to speak and provide advice in accurate spoken English to the public.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Fynn, Finance Manager – Financial Strategy by e-mail
Closing Date : 24th March 2025
Interview Date : 8th April 2025
Should you require application forms in an alternative format / language or any adjustments to be made throughout the application process or upon appointment, please contact and we will make every effort to meet your specific requirements.
Warwickshire County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees and is keen to address areas of under representation in its workforce. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy employer: Warwickshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Warwickshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Warwickshire County Council's financial strategies and recent audits. Understanding their approach to financial sustainability and the specifics of their Medium-Term Financial Strategy will help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the finance department. Engaging with them can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in budget monitoring and financial reporting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed similar responsibilities in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your ability to influence and collaborate by preparing examples of past projects where you worked with senior leaders or cross-functional teams. Highlighting these experiences will show that you can thrive in a matrix-managed environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Accountant - Financial Strategy position. Understand the key responsibilities and requirements, especially the need for substantial post-qualification experience and the ability to influence and collaborate.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your qualifications and relevant experience in financial management and strategic decision-making. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or implemented innovative financial solutions in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your skills in risk management, performance monitoring, and your ability to work within high-performing teams. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you have exceeded expected standards in past positions.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your application materials to reflect Warwickshire County Council's values and goals. Mention your commitment to excellence and how you can contribute to their ongoing financial strategy and performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Warwickshire County Council
✨Understand the Financial Strategy
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Warwickshire County Council's financial strategy and recent achievements. Familiarize yourself with their Medium-Term Financial Strategy and how it aligns with local government finance trends.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your post-qualification experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed budgets, implemented financial strategies, or influenced decision-making processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working with senior leaders and various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've built strong relationships and collaborated effectively in a matrix-managed environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that assess your technical knowledge in financial management and reporting. Brush up on relevant regulations, budget monitoring techniques, and statutory returns to demonstrate your expertise.