Accountant
Job Reference: HCC623926
Salary Range: £48,948 - £54,423 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37 (Part‑time hours of minimum 29.6 per week will be considered)
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 22 May 2026
Interview Date: 5 June 2026
The Role:
We are looking for a highly skilled, motivated Accountant with strong interpersonal skills to join our successful Education Financial Services (EFS) team at Hampshire County Council.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a large, forward‑thinking local authority, working in a collaborative environment that values professional expertise and continuous improvement. You’ll play a vital role in supporting schools across Hampshire, helping them to manage resources effectively and deliver the best outcomes for children and young people.
In return, we offer flexible working, a supportive team culture, and meaningful opportunities for professional development.
What you’ll do:
As an Accountant within EFS, you will contribute to the delivery and ongoing enhancement of high‑quality financial services to schools and the wider organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
* Providing strategic leadership on school funding, ensuring compliance with national requirements and alignment with Hampshire County Council’s financial and policy objectives
* Playing an active role in service improvement and supporting change in a fast‑paced environment
* Using financial systems to analyse and interpret data, supporting informed decision making and effective financial management
* Supporting a portfolio of schools, providing strategic support and practical financial advice to headteachers, governors, and school staff
* Working collaboratively with colleagues and partners, including across matrix management arrangements, to meet both customer needs and corporate priorities
This role involves travel to schools across Hampshire and, on occasion, supporting governor training outside core office hours.
What we’re looking for:
You will be:
* A fully qualified chartered accountant with relevant post‑qualification experience, or
* A qualified AAT member (or equivalent) with substantial relevant post‑qualification experience
You will also bring:
* Strong technical financial expertise and a solutions‑focused approach to complex challenges
* Experience of extracting, analysing, and interpreting financial information to support decision‑making
* Excellent customer focus, communication skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate effectively
* Good understanding of education finance and the role of schools (or the ability to develop this quickly)
* Ability to work confidently to tight deadlines while maintaining a high standard of professionalism
* Flexible, enthusiastic approach and the ability to meet the travel requirements of the role
Full‑time is preferable but part‑time working will be considered, subject to business needs (minimum four days per week or 29.6 hours).
You’ll need to travel to various locations across Hampshire. A current driver’s licence and regular access to a reliable vehicle are essential.
Benefits:
* Supportive culture – collaborative team that values wellbeing and development
* Competitive benefits – including Local Government Pension Scheme and generous leave
* Hybrid model – work from home, the office, and school sites with equipment provided
This role is subject to a Criminal Records Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.
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