Interim HRA Accountant
Location: Castle Point
Type: Temporary, Full Time (6 week contract)
Closing Date: 25th August 2025
Job Purpose
An interim HRA accountant is sought to develop the HRA 30-year business plan. You will build upon existing work to create a modern, effective model that clearly outlines all assumptions and allows for the manipulation of variables for scenario planning and sensitivity analysis. This model will include detailed workings and summaries suitable for presentation to housing management, senior council officers, and cabinet members. You will review and refresh current information in collaboration with housing and financial services teams to ensure accuracy and robustness.
This role is expected to last no more than six weeks, with occasional on-site presence as needed.
Key Accountabilities
Deliver a HRA 30-year business plan model that accommodates changing assumptions and summarises information for various audiences.
Provide financial advice and input into the council's financial planning processes, including guidance on business plans, financial modelling, options appraisal, and risk analysis techniques.
Advise budget holders and stakeholders on the financial implications of changes in national legislation or local practices.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, protocols, and guidance, including Contract Procedure Rules and Schemes of Delegation.
Offer robust challenge to budget holders, acting as a critical friend to ensure financial plans and projections are accurate and realistic.
Identify and support initiatives to promote a more commercial mindset within the organisation.
Investigate and support the reduction of cost pressures and identify savings opportunities through effective planning and collaboration. Foster relationships that enhance cooperative working and efficient decision-making.
Assist in delivering the council's strategies while analysing changes to accounting and reporting requirements.
Experience Required
CCAB or CIMA qualified.
Extensive experience in Housing Revenue Account budgeting and accounting procedures.
Strong consulting and negotiation skills, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Capacity to build influential relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, providing both challenge and support.
Ability to simplify complex technical accounting concepts for non-finance staff.
Proficiency in creating detailed financial models that are user-friendly and easily maintained.
Demonstrated experience in advising and supporting business/service areas to achieve optimal outcomes and value for money.
Extensive experience with financial modelling and options appraisal techniques, particularly using spreadsheets and business intelligence tools.
This organisation is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the minimum job requirements. We also welcome applications from veterans and care leavers who meet the criteria. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let our recruiters know.
We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment