Salary
From £30,024 to £39,862 per annum (Grade GH)
Contractual hours
37
Basis
Full Time
Package
Permanent
Job category/type
Finance
Date posted
03/10/2025
Job reference
REQ
Are you a skilled and motivated accountant looking for an exciting opportunity to contribute to the financial management of a dynamic local authority? West Berkshire Council is seeking an Accountant to join our Finance and Property Service, reporting to the Senior Accountant. This is a fantastic role that offers a diverse range of accounting responsibilities and the chance to work within a supportive and collaborative team.
Role and Responsibilities
As an Accountant, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality financial services and support. Your main responsibilities will include:
* Assisting with the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and financial reports
* Conducting regular variance analysis and providing insightful commentary
* Managing and maintaining accurate financial records
* Processing invoices, payments, and expense claims
* Supporting the month-end and year-end closing processes
* Ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
* Providing advice and guidance on financial matters to budget holders
* Assisting with audits and providing necessary information to external auditors
* In addition to the above, you will have the opportunity to work on ad-hoc financial projects and analysis as required.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
* Part-qualified accountant (e.g. AAT, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience
* Solid understanding of accounting principles and practices
* Experience in budget preparation and financial analysis
* Proficient in using accounting software and MS Excel
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy
* Excellent organisational and time management skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
* If you are a proactive and enthusiastic individual with a passion for delivering high-quality financial services, we would love to hear from you.
West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:
* Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of
* Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
* Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
* Generous Local Government pension scheme
* Family friendly policies
* A range of local discounts
* Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
* You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years' service.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
For an informal discussion to learn more about the role, please contact Jonathan Martin ) or Lisa Potts ).
Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.
Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
How to apply
Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.
This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
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