Group accountant (EK)

Job Details

Group Accountant Technical

We are looking for an experienced Group Accountant Technical to join the Council’s Financial Services team. This is a senior accounting role responsible for providing technical financial support across Revenue, Capital and Treasury functions, ensuring the Council’s financial accounts, budgets and statutory reporting are accurate, compliant and delivered within required deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the Council’s annual accounts closure and preparation of the final Statement of Accounts.
  • Manage and oversee Revenue, Capital and Treasury accounting activities.
  • Support the preparation, monitoring and reporting of the Council’s revenue and capital budgets.
  • Maintain the integrity of the corporate/general ledger, including reconciliations and financial reporting.
  • Provide specialist advice on Local Government accounting standards, legislation and CIPFA requirements.
  • Prepare and coordinate statutory financial returns and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Oversee VAT and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) advice and returns.
  • Manage aspects of Treasury Management, including borrowing, investments, cash flow and banking arrangements.
  • Support the preparation of the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Capital Strategy.
  • Monitor compliance with the CIPFA Prudential Code and Treasury Management Code.
  • Liaise with internal and external auditors during the accounts closure and audit process.
  • Provide financial advice and guidance to budget holders, managers and finance colleagues.
  • Interpret changes to legislation, accounting standards and codes of practice and advise on their financial implications.
  • Lead, manage and develop a team of up to 15 finance staff, ensuring workloads, performance and deadlines are effectively managed.

Essential Requirements

  • Recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent, such as AAT, Level 6 Accountancy qualification or a CCAB-recognised qualification.
  • Extensive experience of Local Authority/Local Government Accounting.
  • Strong knowledge of Local Government accounting legislation, standards and Codes of Practice.
  • Knowledge of CIPFA accounting, Prudential and Treasury Management Codes.
  • Experience of preparing statutory accounts and financial returns.
  • Experience of Revenue, Capital and Treasury accounting.
  • Experience managing, motivating and developing a finance team.
  • Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets and financial ledger systems.
  • Ability to explain complex technical financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Desirable

  • Experience working within a Local Authority or wider public-sector finance environment.
  • Knowledge of VAT and CIS in a local government setting.
  • Experience with Treasury Management, borrowing and investments.
  • Welsh language skills.

Working Arrangements

The role operates under the Council’s Agile Working Policy, with a combination of office and home working. Attendance at Council offices and occasional travel to other Council sites may be required.

DBS: Not required
Politically Restricted: No
Registration: Not required

Candidate Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and will be required to complete a Criminal Convictions Declaration as part of the recruitment process.