Accountant

Salary      – £36,124-£41,511

Hours      – 37 hours – office base, hybrid working

 

The role

We are currently looking to appoint a an enthusiastic and motivated person to join our finance team, working alongside service managers in order to contribute to the development and implementation of the Council’s capital and revenue budgets and the preparation of the Statutory Accounts

Qualifications

Minimum full AAT or part CCAB qualified (or equivalent)

Membership of a CCAB professional body or willingness to work towards

Duties and responsibilities

  • Support the preparation and co-ordination of the Council’s statutory requirements to produce budgets, final accounts, annual reports, central government and other returns.
  • Prepare reports and attend meetings with budget holders and officers providing financial and technical advice
  • Support resource planning for directorates, assessing the implications of service proposals, providing financial modelling and analysis of service options for projects and initiatives.
  • Support the management, development and updating of the medium term financial strategy (MTFS) and annual budget to ensure that it supports the outcomes set out in the Council’s Corporate Plan.
  • Assist in monitoring and administering the Collection Fund.
  • Manage the Accounts Assistant ensuring that systems are in place to manage, develop, monitor, evaluate and review performance at all levels and deliver agreed targets and service standards.
  • Develop, maintain and manage the Council’s financial information systems, ensuring regular completion of financial reconciliations.

Person Specification

  • Experience in preparing management reports and projections
  • Experience of using Microsoft Office applications, in particular Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Experience of interpreting legislation, policy and guidance to contribute to the formulation of local policies and procedures that comply with national requirements.
  • Knowledge of Local Government Finance would be an advantage
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce and present reports and advice in a clear and professional manner to a wide range of audiences including non-financial users.
  • Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines in an environment of conflicting priorities.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team with a flexible approach to work.
  • Ability to lead, manage and motive staff to develop a strong performance management culture 
  • High degree of tact and diplomacy with the ability to work in a politically sensitive environment.
  • A commitment to developing and maintaining high levels of customer care
  • Must be prepared to work flexibly to meet deadlines throughout the year and may occasionally be required to attend evening meetings.
  • Ability and willingness to demonstrate the council’s values and behaviours

Benefits

  • Flexible working
  • Family friendly policies
  • On-site free parking
  • Up to 31 days' annual leave
  • Option to purchase additional leave
  • Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme
  • Savings and loan scheme
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Additional voluntary contribution to AVC
  • Staff reward scheme
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee forums (Your Voice, Health & Wellbeing)

 

General Statement

The information contained in this job description is provided to assist employees joining the council to understand and appreciate the work content of their post and the role they will play in the organisation. However, the following point should be noted:

  • Whilst every endeavour has been made to outline all the duties and responsibilities of the post, a document such as this does not permit every item to be specified in detail. Broad headings, therefore, may have been used, in which case all the usual associated routines are naturally included in the job description.

How to apply

Download and complete the application form at https://www.rossendale.gov.uk/application_form

Application forms should be returned to: recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk OR

Rossendale Borough Council, People & Policy, The Business Centre, Futures Park, Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 0BB

Alternatively, email your name and address, quoting reference number KT1210 to recruitment@rossendalebc.gov.uk or telephone People and Policy on 01706 252513.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people.  To qualify, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

  • Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
  • If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.

Closing Date        – Friday 31st January 2025 at 10am

Interview Date     – Friday 14th February 2025