3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
* An experienced and qualified accountant is required to support the Housing, Leisure, and Community Support Services functions.
* The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering high-quality financial advice, budget planning, monitoring, and final accounts preparation.
* This is a temporary role requiring a proactive finance professional with a strong understanding of local government finance and excellent analytical and communication skills.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
* Provide strategic financial advice to senior officers, team leads, and budget holders.
* Lead on the preparation and monitoring of revenue and capital budgets.
* Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including final accounts.
* Assist in the development and maintenance of the medium-term financial strategy.
* Advise on the financial aspects of external funding bids and ensure compliance with conditions.
* Analyse financial performance and support efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.
* Prepare statutory and non-statutory returns, including government and statistical submissions.
* Represent finance at relevant meetings, committees, and project boards.
* Maintain and develop cost coding structures and ensure accurate budget allocations.
* Support and guide service teams on financial governance, policy compliance, and financial procedures.
* Authorise payment runs and ad hoc payments via the online banking system.
* Supervise and mentor staff under the postholder's remit.
* Engage in corporate improvement initiatives and continuous professional development.
Skills/Experience:
* Strong knowledge of public sector finance, including CIPFA codes and financial procedures.
* Significant experience in financial planning, budgeting, and account closure within a public body.
* Excellent ability to analyse complex financial data and produce accurate reports.
* Proven ability to communicate financial matters clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
* Experience with financial systems, Excel, and other MS Office tools.
* Strong time management and ability to meet strict deadlines.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
* Effective people management and team-working skills.
Additional Information:
* The closing date: 26/08/2025.
* Full or part-qualified CCAB accountant (preferably CIPFA).
* A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required.
• Full or part-qualified CCAB accountant (preferably CIPFA).