4 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• An experienced and detail-oriented Senior Finance Technician is required to support the Commercial Finance team in delivering accurate financial forecasting, analysis, reporting, and business partnering within a complex public sector environment.
• The role involves supporting strategic financial decision-making, updating financial models, preparing journals, and running reports, with a focus on improving service outcomes, compliance, and value for money.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in the completion of statutory returns, monitoring grant claims, and supporting the delivery of accurate budget forecasts and business plans.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Support the preparation of accurate financial forecasts, journals, and updates to financial spreadsheets.
• Assist in completing statutory and non-statutory returns, including grant claims.
• Collaborate with Commercial Finance Business Partners to ensure financial positions are accurately reflected and aligned with operational needs.
• Provide financial analysis and support to strategic programmes, projects, and business cases.
• Offer insights and recommendations based on interpretation of financial data.
• Identify risks, training needs, and corrective actions to improve forecasting accuracy.
• Monitor and support business plans to maintain robustness of Medium-Term Financial Planning (MTFP).
• Ensure compliance with corporate timelines, procedures, and internal audit requirements.
• Liaise with external organisations on benchmarking, data collection, and financial reporting.
Skills/Experience:
• Solid understanding of local government accounting principles and financial procedures.
• Strong experience in budget forecasting, financial analysis, and option appraisal.
• Proficient in using a range of financial systems and Excel to produce clear, concise reporting.
• Qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or an equivalent recognised body.
• Good awareness of national and local financial issues impacting public sector organisations.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial matters to non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to work independently, assess risks, and support strategic priorities.
• High level of numeracy and literacy.
• Demonstrable experience working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Experience contributing to commercial finance strategy in a large organisation.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet critical deadlines.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and delivering high standards of public service.
Additional Information:
• Hybrid working pattern (typically 1–2 days per week on-site).
• Full-time role: 37 Hours/week.