My client is located in Essex, and following structural changes, they are recruiting for a Financial Accountant to further strengthen their finance department. The successful candidate will play an important role in maintaining the clients' financial control and governance framework by delivering aspects of the specialist financial accounting, treasury management, capital financing and/or tax advisory work necessary to ensure that my client complies with the complex codes, standards and other regulatory requirements that apply to local authorities, including those related to UK duties and taxes. In addition, you will deliver, with credibility, training and technical guidance to the team of finance professionals that is consistent with their technical capability development plans, and with relevant standards, codes and regulations. The Financial Accountant supports on any project or programme, as agreed by the Chief, Deputy Chief or Senior Financial Accountant. The service / functional accountabilities of the Financial Accountant are:
• To deliver aspects of the statutory financial accounting and reporting requirements, its Treasury Management and capital financing function or other regulatory requirements such as those related to UK duties and taxes, to ensure that the required standards and statutory deadlines are met, working flexibly and taking a 'hands on' approach where necessary to ensure key deadlines are met.
• For assigned areas of specialism, to ensure that all required activity is completed in accordance with the agreed timetable, and in compliance with all relevant standards, codes and regulations, and through active engagement with key stakeholders and colleagues to secure their cooperation and support to meet relevant timescales and requirements.
• To play a role in the grant system, as relevant to the areas of specialism, to ensure that grant funding is secured and applied to maximum effect, and is managed effectively and accounted for correctly, from award of the grant, right through to final sign off of the grant funded project and any associated returns required by the grant awarding body.
• Support the achievement of an effective and unqualified external audit of the Council's annual accounts and, where relevant, the achievement of favourable outcomes from other external or statutory inspections.
• To promote a strong financial compliance and governance framework, taking corrective action to address non-compliance or perceived weaknesses.
• To undertake any other activities requested by the Chief, Deputy Chief or Senior Financial Accountant. Skills, Knowledge and Experience
• Must possess a full CCAB qualification, with current membership to a CCAB body and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Must possess a good level of knowledge and understanding of the accounting codes, standards and regulations (including those related to taxes and duties) that apply to local authorities (and, where appropriate, to entities within the Council's 'group' boundary).
• Experience of interpreting technical guidance and of applying this in a practical setting, and of communicating the requirements to stakeholders and other interested parties.
• Experience of working within multi-disciplinary teams and an ability to contribute in a large and complex organisation.
• Ability to establish credibility with finance and other professionals, the external auditor and other key stakeholders.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills and a strong delivery / performance focus.
• PLEASE ONLY APPLY IF YOU HAVE ALL OF THE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Applicants should be confident in their own abilities and keen learners in order to fulfil the role to the best of your ability. If this sounds like you, and if you want to discuss the role further then please contact Tom at Service Care Solutions Ltd on 01772 208963, or alternatively send an updated CV to tom.lockwoodservicecare.org.uk