Accountant

Job Description

Our client is a large local government organisation and looking for an experienced Accountant to join their team. This is initially a 3 month contract which may be extended for the right applicantWe are seeking a qualified accountant, or part qualified with significant local government experience, to provide cover for long term sickness with immediate effect. Specifically, you will be experienced in a District Council supporting the Housing RevenueAccount and Capital Accounting, reporting directly to the Deputy S151. Key duties include budget monitoring (both Revenue and Capital) and project support including financial modelling for a large HRA Housing Development Programme. The post will also supportthe wider finance team with various tasks, such as Collection Fund and IAS19 Pensions. It is likely that this cover will extend through to include completing the year end tasks associated with these service areas, but it subject to monthly reviews. This rolewill offer hybrid working with a minimum of one day on site per week.You willResponsible for setting annual budgets in collaboration with Leadership Team, Group Managers and Service Managers, supporting them in identifying areas of potential savings.Contribute to the compilation of the budget booklet for publication to Members, Leadership Team, Group Managers and Service Managers.Undertake the monitoring of budgets; including the provision of accurate and timely monthly management information of service spend against budget and the prediction of yearend forecasts.Responsible for the production of the annual outturn summaries.Help ensure appropriate budget systems and processes are developed, implemented and maintained to accurately assess performance and forecast yearend financial positions for Management Team and Members.Assist the Principal Accountants and Group Manager for Financial Services to manage and control the Council’s finances in accordance with the Constitution, the corporate governance framework and statutory obligations.Insurance: managing claims; decision making on the settling of claims; compiling tender and renewal documents.Treasury: day to day cash management of the Council’s funds; annual planning of significant items of both expenditure and income; awareness of economic conditions and daily credit rating fluctuations; investment decision making on where to place surplusfunds and how much to invest and arrangement of any borrowing including the setting up and monitoring of repayment terms.VAT: responsible officer for all Authority queries; ensuring correct treatment of VAT across the Council; writing user guidance; completion of the Authority partial exemption calculation and representation of the Council at tribunalsUndertake reconciliations of key control accounts such as income control, collection fund, salary and stock control.Administration of a range of grants.Leases: Responsible for the arrangement of new leases and monitor on-going contractual agreements; ensuring accurate year end reporting of operating and finance leases in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards; ensure that the Authorityis budgeting for future expenditure on vehicle and machinery acquisitions.Banking: Primary liaison for all Authority’s banks; meet with Relationship Managers; set up new accounts where beneficial to Authority; set up high value CHAPS payments.Advise and support Members, Group Managers and business managers throughout the Council on financial matters to ensure that they can effectively manage their budgets.To provide training on key systems to Senior Officers and other officers within the Authority. 16.Provide financial guidance on new initiatives and answer complex queries.Promote professional standards and attitudes throughout Finance.RequirementsRequired to have a good working knowledge of the following:

• Standard DBS
• UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP)
• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
• Capital finance regulations, including the Prudential Code
• Tax & Insurance legislation
• Financial Regulations of the Authority
• Relevant CIPFA Guidelines and Regulations

Interpret new financial legislation and financial reporting standards as they apply to the Council and to initiate appropriate actionsPLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS INSIDE SCOPE OF IR35HYBRID WORKING AVAILABLE

Keyskills :
Account ManagementFRSGAAPTax