Financial Accountant - Basildon Borough Council
Basildon Borough Council
Temporary, Full Time
Up to £600-£700 per day, dependant on experience (Inside IR35)
Location: Basildon
Closing Date: 11th January 2026
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Basildon Council to recruit a temporary Financial Accountant. Please note his is a temporary opportunity for a period of 6 months, with the expectation of being in the office a minimum of 1 day per week.
Job Purpose
This role is within the Financial Accounting Team which is responsible for the treasury functions of the Council including managing daily cashflows and the provision of management information. Support is provided for both the General Fund and Housing capital programmes. In addition to treasury and capital the team has responsibility for other technical areas, which include VAT, leasing, Financial Regulations and other one-off special projects that arise from time to time. These projects can cover both General Fund and Housing issues.
The Financial Accounting Team is responsible for:
· The timely and accurate production of the annual Statement of Accounts.
· The HRA and Housing General Fund revenue and capital accounting.
· The Housing and General Fund Services capital programmes and accounting for capital, including fixed asset accounting.
· Provision of financial services to the Council’s wholly owned subsidiary Sempra Homes Ltd.
· In conjunction with Corporate Property Services the delivery of the Council’s commercial asset acquisition strategy
· The prompt allocation of all Council income including reconciliation to underlying records.
· The transmission of all the Council’s BACS files.
· Regular budgetary control with necessary reporting to senior management.
· Regular liaison with Cost Centre Managers on budget issues ensuring appropriate evidence of control is maintained.
· Provision of accurate and timely financial management information to senior management and Members whilst working with Cost Centre Managers to find financial solutions to service priorities.
· Policy, strategy and delivery in relation to Treasury Management (borrowing, investments cash flow, leasing and special financing) including control of the Council’s cash management systems.
· Assisting with the preparation of Council Tax base and use of reserves to feed into the overall Council Tax Setting process.
· Contributions to corporate governance in relation to Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Financial Regulations and Financial Procedure Notes.
· Other work such as VAT, IFRS and Collection Fund.
The Experience You Will Bring
· Evidence of the ability to provide high level professional advice in a corporate setting
· Proven track record in project, resource and people management
· Evidence of taking responsibility for own personal and professional development
· Evidence of the abilities required to support senior managers and members in a complex organisation
· An in-depth knowledge of local government finance and general local government procedures.
· Experience in producing written reports on complex issues tailored to the needs of different audiences.
· Numerate with experience and ability to analyse large volumes of financial data and to interpret such data accordingly.
· Possess excellent IT skills including technical experience of financial management systems and desk top analytical tools.
· Relevant experience with Financial Management systems, particularly of the General Ledger and its associated feeders.
· To be able to assess a dilemma logically and laterally and deal with it accordingly, including knowing when to refer the problem to more senior management.
· Developed skills in prioritising work for themselves and their team.
· Track record of improving the quality of service to customers.
· Ability to cope with personal and organisational pressure, maintaining the quality of contribution when facing conflicting requirements.
Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.
The Council applies a robust recruitment vetting process. If you are successful you will need to undergo a Pre-employment Vetting Procedure.