Support Accountant – Financial Planning -AR

Job Details

Support Accountant – Financial Planning

Location: Melton, East Suffolk
Contract: Temporary, 3 months (2 November 2026 to end of January 2027)
Hours: 37 hours per week (4 days may be considered)
Pay Rate: £19.00 per hour PAYE
Working Pattern: Hybrid, with 2 days per week in the office

Job Purpose

East Suffolk Council is looking for an experienced Support Accountant to join its Financial Planning team on a temporary basis, providing cover while permanent recruitment takes place.

Reporting to a Finance Business Partner, you will support the financial management of council services by assisting with budget monitoring, financial reporting, forecasting and year-end accounts. You will also provide financial information and guidance to service managers and budget holders, helping ensure budgets are managed effectively and financial deadlines are met.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support budget monitoring and reporting across revenue and capital budgets, identifying variances and potential overspending.
  • Assist with annual budget setting and financial forecasting.
  • Prepare and analyse financial reports to support decision-making.
  • Undertake financial reconciliations, investigate discrepancies and maintain accurate supporting documentation.
  • Assist with month-end and year-end processes, including the preparation of working papers.
  • Support reviews of fees, charges and income forecasts.
  • Provide financial advice and guidance to service managers and budget holders.
  • Assist with government and statutory returns and other financial data collection exercises.
  • Ensure grants are accounted for correctly and relevant documentation is maintained.
  • Support staffing budgets, reserve administration and overhead allocations.
  • Assist with financial systems, process improvements and financial management projects as required.

Essential Requirements

  • Experience working in an accounting or finance environment.
  • Knowledge of accounting principles and budgetary control.
  • Experience supporting budget monitoring, financial reporting or forecasting.
  • Experience using financial systems and Microsoft Excel for financial analysis.
  • Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to investigate discrepancies.
  • Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
  • Good organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • AAT qualification with relevant experience, or significant demonstrable experience in a similar finance role.

Desirable Experience

  • Local authority or public sector finance experience.
  • Experience with year-end accounts and management reporting.
  • Experience advising budget holders or supporting non-financial managers.
  • Knowledge of grant accounting, fees and charges, or financial forecasting.

Suitable Backgrounds

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience as an Assistant Accountant, Support Accountant, Finance Officer or Assistant Management Accountant.

Candidates from local government, the NHS, education, housing associations or the private sector will be considered, provided they have relevant accounting and budget-monitoring experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on finance professional to support a council finance team and contribute to effective financial planning and budget management.