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.