At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, prepare financial reports, and provide expert advice to senior management.
- Company: Local authority focused on effective financial management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable contract, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Onsite role in Basildon, Essex, with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance through impactful financial decisions.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or higher, with 3 years' experience in local authority finance.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Job Description
- 6-month contract with a local authority
- Summary
- The Senior Accountant will play a pivotal role within a local authority on a 6-month contract.
This position is crucial for budget preparation, financial reporting, capital and revenue accounting, and the production of statutory accounts.
The role involves providing high-quality financial advice to budget holders and senior management, supporting informed decision-making, driving financial performance, and ensuring the efficient and effective management of the Council's financial resources.
Responsibilities
- Support the annual budget-setting process by preparing budget estimates in line with corporate guidance and deadlines.
- Monitor revenue and capital budgets, identifying variances, efficiencies, and financial pressures.
- Provide budgetary control and financial performance reporting to senior management and service managers.
- Work closely with budget holders to ensure effective financial planning and resource management.
- Support the development and delivery of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
Essential Experience Required
- Minimum 3 years' experience working within a Local Authority finance environment.
- Experience in financial accounting, budget monitoring, and financial reporting.
- Experience supporting the preparation of annual accounts and statutory returns.
Essential Qualifications Required
- AAT Qualified or higher professional accounting qualification.
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
- GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics.
- Additional Information
- Working hours: 36.25 hours per week.
- Office location: Basildon, Essex.
- Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will be required to be onsite a minimum of 4 days per week.
- We work on a bi-weekly schedule.
The role closes on 29th August 2026, apply ASAP.
Requirements
The Senior Accountant will play a key role in budget preparation, financial reporting, capital and revenue accounting, production of statutory accounts, and provision of high-quality financial advice to budget holders and senior management
Senior Accountant in Basildon employer: Zoho Recruit
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a fully remote role as a Secured Loan Advisor with a competitive salary and a generous bonus structure. With a strong focus on employee growth, ongoing training, and a supportive team culture, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation and client service. Enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere in the UK while being part of a rapidly expanding disruptor in the financial services sector, where your contributions directly impact success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant in Basildon
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Zoho Recruit. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Zoho Recruit confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoho Recruit
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Zoho Recruit that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
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