RQ1803316 – Systems Accountant

Job Details

Work Pattern: 37 hours per week,

PAYE Pay Rate: If you’re interested, please come forward with ideal pay rate

Main Purpose of the Role

The Senior Accounting Technician (Systems) is responsible for maintaining, developing and improving the financial systems used across Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council.

You will oversee the administration, security and development of financial software, ensuring systems are accurate, efficient and fit for purpose. You will also provide technical support, guidance and training to finance staff, managers and other council employees.

The role combines local authority accounting knowledge with financial systems administration, reporting, data management and staff supervision.

Typical Day Overview

  • Managing and maintaining the councils’ financial systems, ensuring they operate effectively.

  • Setting up new users, managing system access, permissions and security.

  • Investigating and resolving system issues and supporting finance colleagues.

  • Working with software suppliers to resolve technical problems and implement system upgrades.

  • Producing financial reports and checking the accuracy of financial information.

  • Using Excel, SQL and reporting tools to extract, analyse and review financial data.

  • Supporting the development of financial systems and improving processes.

  • Providing training and guidance to finance staff, managers and other council employees.

  • Monitoring financial information held on the councils’ balance sheets.

  • Supervising and supporting two members of staff.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Systems Administration

  • Act as the system administrator for the Financial Management System, BACS, 4Risk and Civica Income Management.

  • Manage user accounts, access permissions, system security and password controls.

  • Implement new systems, software upgrades and system fixes.

  • Maintain and develop financial systems to improve efficiency and functionality.

Financial Reporting and Accounting

  • Produce financial and statistical reports and returns.

  • Monitor the accuracy and quality of financial information held on council balance sheets.

  • Maintain an understanding of accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

  • Set up and maintain accounting hierarchies.

  • Support the councils’ financial reporting and accounting processes.

Technical Support and System Development

  • Use SQL and reporting tools to extract and analyse financial information.

  • Work with software suppliers to resolve issues and improve system functionality.

  • Act as the main contact for financial software suppliers.

  • Support the development and maintenance of the e-procurement system.

  • Identify opportunities to improve financial systems and processes.

Training and Staff Management

  • Provide training and guidance to finance staff, managers and council officers.

  • Supervise and motivate two members of staff.

  • Explain financial systems and technical information to both financial and non-financial colleagues.

  • Manage workloads and ensure an effective support service.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Recent local authority experience – essential experience of working within a local government finance or accounting environment.

  • Local authority accounting knowledge – understanding of council accounting procedures, financial regulations and accounting principles.

  • Financial systems experience – experience using Cedar Open Accounts, Agresso or similar financial management systems.

  • Reporting tools – working knowledge of Business Objects or a similar reporting platform.

  • SQL knowledge – ability to use SQL to extract, access or analyse financial data.

  • Microsoft Excel – strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data and spreadsheets.

  • Finance systems administration – experience managing financial systems, user access, security or system functionality.

  • Communication skills – ability to explain technical and financial information to different audiences.

  • Organisation – ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

  • Staff management – ability to manage, support and motivate colleagues.

5. Essential Qualifications

  • CCAB part-qualified accountant – essential (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW)

  • 5 GCSEs at grades A–C, including Maths and English – essential

  • AAT qualification – desirable