Business Change Accountant

6 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

To provide professional financial management, business partnering and accountancy support within the Accountancy Business Partnership Service, ensuring the effective delivery of financial services across the Council and supporting the achievement of statutory Section 151 responsibilities.

The postholder will support Accountancy Business Change Managers in delivering high-quality financial management, business change and continuous improvement initiatives across a range of Council services. The role will provide expert financial advice, contribute to strategic decision-making, support operational service delivery and help drive financial stability, value for money and organisational change.

The Business Change Accountant will undertake a broad range of financial activities, including budget management, financial monitoring, accounting processes, financial controls, grant claims, reporting and the provision of financial advice to managers and senior officers.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the operational delivery of Accountancy Business Partnership services across designated service areas.
  
• Provide professional financial advice and business partnering support to managers and senior officers.
  
• Assist in ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory Section 151 obligations.
  
• Support the implementation of financial strategies, policies and corporate objectives.
  
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, business change programmes and service transformation projects.
  
• Assist in maintaining and developing financial procedures, policies and best practice frameworks.
  
• Support budget setting, budget monitoring and year-end closure processes.
  
• Monitor financial performance and identify emerging financial pressures, risks and opportunities.
  
• Produce financial forecasts, management information and financial reports.
  
• Undertake account reconciliations and financial control processes.
  
• Support the submission of grant claims, statutory returns and financial returns.
  
• Provide financial comments and advice for committee reports, business cases and decision-making papers.
  
• Advise service managers and senior stakeholders on financial matters within their areas of responsibility.
  
• Support the development and implementation of service plans and performance targets.
  
• Undertake complex financial analysis and resolve technical accounting issues.
  
• Assist with Treasury Management, financial stewardship and corporate accounting activities where required.
  
• Monitor compliance with financial regulations, governance requirements and Council procedures.
  
• Support audit processes and respond to internal and external audit enquiries.
  
• Identify and escalate financial irregularities and concerns where appropriate.
  
• Contribute to collaborative projects, appraisals and service reviews.
  
• Support staff development, training and continuous professional development activities.
  
• Line manage and support finance staff where allocated.
  
• Build effective relationships with internal stakeholders, external organisations and partner agencies.
  
• Contribute to maintaining high professional standards across Financial Services.
  

Requirements

Essential

• Professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or significant relevant accountancy experience.
  
• Experience working within a finance, accountancy or financial management environment.
  
• Experience of:
  • Budget setting and monitoring
    
  • Financial reporting
    
  • Financial forecasting
    
  • Account reconciliations
    
  • Financial controls
    
  • Management accounting
    
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial regulations.
  
• Experience providing financial advice to managers and stakeholders.
  
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex financial information.
  
• Experience producing management reports and financial analysis.
  
• Knowledge of budget management and financial planning processes.
  
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Excellent analytical, numerical and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other financial systems.
  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  

Desirable

• Experience within Local Government Finance.
  
• Knowledge of Section 151 responsibilities and local government financial frameworks.
  
• Experience of business partnering within a large public sector organisation.
  
• Experience supporting Treasury Management or corporate finance activities.
  
• Experience managing or supervising staff.
  
• Knowledge of public sector accounting requirements and statutory returns.
  
• Experience supporting organisational transformation and business change programmes.
  
• Experience working with grant funding and external returns.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Hybrid Working
  
• Hours Per Week: 35 Hours
  
• Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments