Divisional Accountant

To provide professional management accounting services that add value to service delivery within the Resources Department and finance functions across service departments.

The postholder will provide expert financial analysis advice and information to support strategic decision-making effective financial management and the achievement of corporate and departmental objectives. This will include responsibility for revenue and capital budget monitoring and closure supporting budget holders and senior officers promoting sound financial management practices and contributing to the continuous improvement of the finance function.

The role will also deputise for the Senior Finance Manager as required and provide management and support to staff delivering the finance function.

• Provide high-quality financial information analysis and professional advice to the Council budget holders senior officers and other stakeholders.
  

• Interpret and prepare briefing notes on new current and proposed legislation accounting standards and other relevant financial issues.
  

• Respond to requests for financial information from Members officers external organisations and members of the public.
  

• Prepare and provide financial and statistical information required by government departments and other external bodies.
  

• Provide financial training and guidance to staff as required.
  

• Continuously improve the quality timeliness and effectiveness of financial monitoring and reporting to support informed decision-making.
  

• Advise on and develop improvements to financial management processes procedures and controls.
  

• Ensure revenue and capital budgets are aligned with service objectives and financial targets.
  

• Monitor and control revenue and capital budgets ensuring income and expenditure is accurately recorded throughout the financial year.
  

• Identify investigate and report significant budget variances and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.
  

• Lead and support the year-end closure of corporate cost centres in accordance with approved closing timetables.
  

• Ensure compliance with the Councils financial regulations policies procedures and wider regulatory framework.
  

• Provide professional financial input into Cabinet Committee and other reports as required.
  

• Provide financial advice and input into options for the allocation of resources including savings and efficiency requirements.
  

• Evaluate and report on the financial impact of statutory economic and political developments affecting Council resources.
  

• Participate in meetings of officer groups and contribute to discussions on Council-wide revenue and capital financial matters.
  

• Contribute to the development and effective use of SAP and other financial information systems.
  

• Liaise with external auditors and provide appropriate information and support on relevant financial and audit matters.
  

• Promote accuracy clarity and timeliness in financial reporting and support departments in achieving their financial targets through effective monitoring and control.
  

• Monitor and control the financial aspects of contractors delivering Council services where applicable.
  

• Identify and report suspected fraud financial irregularities and malpractice in accordance with the Councils Fraud Response Plan.
  

• Support effective people management within the finance function and ensure good management practices are embedded in day-to-day working.
  

• Identify training and development needs for staff within the area of responsibility including personal development requirements.
  

• Deputise for the Senior Finance Manager as required.
  

• Provide appropriate supervision management and support to staff delivering the finance function.
  

• Professional qualification in accountancy or substantial relevant experience in a management accounting environment.
  

• Strong knowledge and understanding of financial management management accounting budgeting and financial reporting.
  

• Experience of monitoring and controlling revenue and capital budgets.
  

• Experience of preparing financial reports analysis forecasts and advice for senior officers and budget holders.
  

• Knowledge of relevant legislation accounting requirements financial regulations and public-sector financial management practices.
  

• Ability to analyse complex financial information and provide clear practical advice to support decision-making.
  

• Ability to identify financial risks investigate variances and recommend appropriate corrective action.
  

• Experience of contributing to year-end and budget closure processes.
  

• Experience of working with financial management systems and databases; knowledge of SAP or similar financial systems would be advantageous.
  

• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare reports briefing notes and committee documentation.
  

• Ability to build effective working relationships with officers senior management external organisations and auditors.
  

• Ability to manage competing priorities meet deadlines and work accurately under pressure.
  

• Experience of supervising supporting or developing finance staff.
  

• Commitment to continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality financial services.
  

• High level of integrity confidentiality and professionalism with a strong commitment to sound financial governance and accountability.
  

• Hours per week: 36 hours
  

• Location: London Borough Of Southwark
  

• Bi-Weekly Payments