Job title: Finance Development Accountant
Grade/Salary: Band I (£55,609 to £59,025)
Contract Type: Full time, permanent
Working pattern: Mon-Fri, 37 hours per week
Location: Sandwell Council House, Oldbury (Hybrid)
Advert closing date: 08/06/2026
Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a proactive Finance Development Accountant on a full‑time permanent basis, based from its Oldbury office. The organisation currently operates to a hybrid working model.
The Finance Development Accountant within the Financial Reporting and Regulatory Team will work alongside the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the functions under the remit of the post and provide financial advice and challenge to support delivery of services and achievement of Corporate Plan objectives.
The role will be responsible under the guidance of the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant for the technical financial aspects of the area it supports which will include for example, development of training plans for finance and non‑finance staff, maintaining the Council’s Financial Regulations, leading on relations with CIPFA, ensuring CPD activities are undertaken across Finance, leading on development of the council’s finance system and improving the finance offer for staff across the Council.
The postholder will play a key role in supporting the Council’s change and transformation activities by providing strategic financial advice and guidance and offering innovative and creative solutions.
In this role you will:
* Have a detailed understanding of relevant legislation and underlying concepts and principles of Local Government Finance in particular the technical areas of the statement of accounts (revenue and/or capital).
* Understand and interpret current and proposed accounting standards, ensuring compliance across the organisation including relevant training is developed for all finance staff and departments where appropriate.
* Provide strategic financial advice to senior management on the potential impact of any changes to accounting standards.
* Lead on the relationship with CIPFA as the public sector accounting body, ensuring continuing professional development (CPD) activities are undertaken across Finance and that CIPFA accreditation can be obtained.
* Lead on the development of training plans for staff within the service and be responsible for the co‑ordination of finance trainees and apprentices.
* Lead on development of the Council’s overall finance system (general ledger, accounts payable and receivable), including the development of new reports.
* Devise and implement creative and innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges.
* Adopt a collaborative, supportive, and challenging and, where appropriate, hands‑on approach, in providing advice, support and guidance on both established internal policy and external regulations or legislation to colleagues across the Council and to partner organisations.
* Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Service Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.
Attributes that you would bring to the role:
* A fully Qualified member of the UK’s recognised Chartered Accountancy body (i.e. CCAB, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or CIPFA). Proven relevant experience in a finance role with preferably some in a Local Government setting.
1. Experience of supporting the closure of accounts.
2. Direct experience of managing teams.
3. Experience of managing tasks involving others.
4. Experience of developing and delivering finance training.
* Experience of managing and developing individuals and teams to deliver the outcomes of the Directorate Business Plan and Corporate Plan.
* Experience of effective financial management and delivering financial advice at a strategic level across services.
* Experience of building effective partnerships, negotiating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders.
Why Sandwell Council?
At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.
To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell.
To be considered, please submit a CV and supporting statement to Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.
Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.
We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.
If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk.
If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.
If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact Imran_butt@sandwell.gov.uk.
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