Service Accountant

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

The Service Accountant will provide high-quality proactive and customer-focused financial support to a range of service areas within the organisation. The role will support budget management financial planning monitoring and accounts closure processes while delivering informed financial advice identifying financial risks and supporting operational decision-making across the Council.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the annual budget cycle including budget setting budget monitoring and accounts closure for both capital and revenue budgets.
  
• Provide proactive financial advice challenge and guidance to budget holders and managers.
  
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders.
  
• Produce accurate financial information reports statistical returns and responses to information requests including Freedom of Information requests.
  
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations controls standing orders accounting standards and legislative requirements.
  
• Monitor financial performance and identify emerging financial risks and mitigation strategies.
  
• Support project work by providing financial expertise and analysis.
  
• Deputise for the Group Accountant when required including supervision of Accountancy Assistants.
  
• Coach and support junior finance staff to develop technical knowledge and professional capability.
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement and maintain awareness of developments within local government finance.
  

Requirements

• Experience working within a customer-focused management accounting environment.
  
• Experience of budget setting budget monitoring and accounts closure processes across capital and revenue budgets.
  
• Experience supporting budget holders and delivering financial advice to operational services.
  
• Advanced spreadsheet and financial analysis skills.
  
• Understanding of local government finance and public sector services.
  
• Ability to analyse financial information assess risks and support decision-making.
  
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex financial information to a wide range of stakeholders.
  
• Experience building positive relationships across internal and external stakeholder groups.
  
• Ability to work independently while recognising when issues require escalation.
  
• Fully qualified AAT part-qualified CCAB or equivalent experience within a large accounting environment.
  

Additional Information

• Hours per week: 3637 hours (standard full-time)
  
• Payment schedule: Bi-weekly payments
  
• Location: London Borough of Hackney / hybrid working as required