Accountant - 04745 in Newbury

Are you a skilled and motivated finance professional looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the financial management of a dynamic local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking an Accountant to join our Finance and Property Service, reporting to the Senior Finance Manager for Place and Economic Growth. This is a fantastic role that offers a diverse range of financial accounting and reporting duties, providing you with the chance to work with a variety of services and make a real impact within the organisation.

As an Accountant at West Berkshire Council, you will be responsible for:

• Supporting the Senior Finance Manager in delivering accurate and timely financial information
• Conducting financial analysis and providing insightful recommendations to service managers
• Preparing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports
• Cashflow analysis
• Monitoring Loans and Investments
• Preparation of reports for Treasury Management Group
• Monitoring and controlling expenditure, ensuring adherence to budgetary limits
• Providing advice and guidance on financial matters to stakeholders, for example VAT
• Assisting with year-end processes, including the preparation of statutory accounts
• Ad-hoc financial projects and contributing to process improvements within the finance team

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• AAT qualified or equivalent, with a solid understanding of financial accounting principles
• Experience working in a finance role, ideally within a local authority or public sector environment
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders
• Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of Oracle Financials and experience with budget setting and monitoring would be advantageous, but not essential

West Berkshire Council offers the following employment benefits:

• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A range of local discounts
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
• Generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays), rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you are passionate about finance and want to make a difference in your local community, apply now to join West Berkshire Council as an Accountant. Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.