Service Accountant – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title

Service Accountant

Grade

MG1

Directorate

Resources & Commercial Directorate

Division

Finance Division

Reports To

Finance Business Partner / Head of Strategic & Technical Finance

Location

Dependent on Line Manager

Job Purpose

To provide professional financial advice, support, and challenge to a designated Council service division or directorate, ensuring effective financial management, sound decision-making, and compliance with statutory accounting requirements and financial regulations.

The post holder will act as a finance business partner to service managers, developing strong working relationships while maintaining professional integrity and ensuring financial best practice is followed.

The role is responsible for coordinating revenue and capital budget preparation, monitoring financial performance, supporting the closure of accounts process, and providing high-quality financial analysis and advice to senior managers, budget holders, and elected members.

The post holder will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and transformation projects across the Finance Division.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Business Partnering & Advice

  • Act as the key finance contact for an allocated Council service area, providing expert financial advice, guidance, and constructive challenge to managers and senior leaders.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with service managers to support strategic and operational decision-making.
  • Provide financial insight and recommendations to support service delivery, cost management, and improved financial outcomes.
  • Advise managers on financial implications arising from changes in legislation, policy, service demands, and accounting requirements.
  • Support budget holders in understanding their financial responsibilities and improving financial management practices.

Budget Management & Monitoring

  • Lead and coordinate the preparation of annual revenue and capital budgets in line with corporate timetables and financial processes.
  • Support budget managers in developing accurate budgets by analysing:
    • historical spending trends
    • cost drivers
    • demographic changes
    • economic pressures
    • service demands
  • Monitor significant revenue and capital budgets, identifying risks, pressures, and opportunities.
  • Review and challenge budget forecasts to ensure they are accurate, robust, and supported by appropriate evidence.
  • Produce monthly financial monitoring reports, highlighting:
    • budget variances
    • financial risks
    • forecast outturn positions
    • savings delivery progress
  • Present financial performance information to Directorate Management Teams and Finance Business Partners.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

  • Produce accurate and timely financial reports for:
    • service managers
    • directors
    • Finance Business Partners
    • elected members
    • senior stakeholders
  • Analyse financial data from corporate financial systems and provide meaningful interpretation to support decision-making.
  • Undertake detailed financial reviews of complex, high-risk, or volatile budgets.
  • Provide clear explanations of financial performance and recommendations for action.

Year-End Closure & Statutory Reporting

  • Coordinate the year-end closedown process for the allocated service area.
  • Ensure accounts are completed accurately and within corporate deadlines.
  • Prepare and review working papers and supporting documentation for the Statement of Accounts.
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards, statutory guidance, and Council financial regulations.
  • Maintain accurate accounting records for grants and ensure timely completion of grant claims and statutory returns.

Team Management & Development

  • Manage and support a Senior Finance Officer, providing guidance, supervision, and development opportunities.
  • Allocate work effectively to ensure delivery of agreed finance services.
  • Undertake performance management and appraisal responsibilities.
  • Promote a customer-focused finance service culture.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

  • Lead and participate in finance improvement projects and transformation initiatives.
  • Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, and service delivery.
  • Promote best practice and continuous professional development.
  • Keep up to date with changes in:
    • accounting standards
    • legislation
    • local government finance developments
    • sector best practice

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

  • Strong knowledge and understanding of financial management, accounting processes, and financial controls.
  • Experience of managing or supporting significant revenue and capital budgets.
  • Experience of annual budget preparation and budget monitoring processes.
  • Experience producing high-quality financial reports and analysis for senior managers.
  • Ability to analyse complex financial information and communicate findings clearly.
  • Strong Excel skills, including:
    • Pivot Tables
    • VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
    • financial analysis tools
  • Experience extracting and interpreting information from financial systems.
  • Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to provide constructive challenge and financial advice to non-finance colleagues.
  • Experience working within a regulated financial environment.

Desirable

  • Experience working within Local Government finance.
  • Understanding of local authority accounting frameworks and statutory requirements.
  • Experience supporting service areas with complex financial pressures.
  • Experience managing or supervising finance staff.
  • Experience delivering financial improvement projects.
  • Knowledge of the wider public sector operating environment.

Qualifications

  • CCAB qualified accountant or working towards qualification with significant relevant experience.

Relevant professional qualifications may include:

  • CIPFA
  • ACCA
  • CIMA
  • ICAEW

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders.
  • Confidence communicating financial information to senior audiences.
  • Ability to influence and challenge constructively.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across teams.
  • Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Values & Behaviours

The post holder will demonstrate behaviours aligned with organisational values:

Be Courageous

  • Provide professional challenge and make informed recommendations.

Do It Together

  • Work collaboratively with finance colleagues and service teams.

Make It Happen

  • Deliver high-quality financial support and drive improvements.

Additional Requirements

  • Flexibility to work additional hours during peak periods, including budget preparation and year-end closure.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, confidentiality, health and safety, and information security requirements.