Job Description
3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• An opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated Assistant Accountant to join a busy public sector finance team.
• The successful candidate will support the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager in providing high-quality financial advice, preparing budget monitoring reports, grant claims, and year-end financial submissions, with a particular focus on managing and monitoring grant-funded programmes.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Assist in the provision of financial advice and reporting on grant schemes to senior management and project boards
• Prepare and monitor budgets, estimates, grant claims and financial submissions
• Produce regular budget monitoring reports and contribute to financial updates for Cabinet and Scrutiny Committees
• Support in year-end accounting processes and ensure accurate reconciliation of financial accounts
• Liaise with service managers and external stakeholders, including funding bodies and auditors
• Supervise and delegate work to junior finance support staff
• Attend meetings and represent the finance function where required
• Ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions, and internal financial procedures
• Assist in identifying and correcting misposted income and expenditure items
Skills/Experience:
• Strong working knowledge of core accounting principles, including budgeting, monitoring, and account closure processes
• Experience working with financial systems such as OLAS, iTrent, or Proactis
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and produce clear reports
• Confident communicator with the ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrable experience in grant monitoring and financial reporting
• Experience within a local authority or public sector finance setting is highly desirable
• Competency in Microsoft Excel and Word
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 01/09/2025.
• Relevant Level 4 financial qualification (e.g. AAT Level 4 or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel for meetings required.
Requirements
• Strong working knowledge of core accounting principles, including budgeting, monitoring, and account closure processes • Experience working with financial systems such as OLAS, iTrent, or Proactis • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and produce clear reports • Confident communicator with the ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels • Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment • Demonstrable experience in grant monitoring and financial reporting • Experience within a local authority or public sector finance setting is highly desirable • Competency in Microsoft Excel and Word