Accounting Supervisor

Management Accountant
Temporary, Full Time
£Essex County Council are seeking an experienced finance professional to join their high-performing finance team.
The Management Accountant for PPEPH, supports a diverse range of services - from Public Health to Property, Major Capital Programmes, and Capital Delivery, offering variety and breadth in the role. Its a pivotal position in providing insightful financial analysis and robust financial reporting across both Revenue and Capital, with a 4-year Capital programme totalling circa £570m.
You will build strong relationships with internal and external partners and be able to competently influence, contribute and challenge, at a broad range of senior management forums to ensure financial forecasts and future budget plans are based on robust financial information.
You will be a qualified professional with strong technical and systems knowledge to actively contribute and influence the decision-making process in relation to medium term planning.
Responsible for the preparation, quality assurance, detailed analytics and trend analysis in the development of financial forecasts and future budget plans for services across the financial cycle ensuring they reflect operational and strategic objectives
Leads, manages and motivates a finance team to deliver high quality financial information, analysis and provide constructive challenge to support budget holders. Ensure timely and accurate information and advice is in accordance with Financial Regulations and all accounting standards to ensure the effective management of budgets and future budget planning by all budget holders. Maintain a high standard of technical information to ensure your team by working closely with the Chief Accountant throughout the financial cycle in particular the closure of accounts.
Work collaboratively with the Financial Systems & Processes Manager to support the Finance Hub arrangements and identify and develop system and process improvements to ensure the finance function delivers high quality outputs and information.
Advise on the development of cost drivers, the preparation of relevant and accurate financial models, estimates and forecasts to enable the function to highlight opportunities as well as the potential risks.
To be the Finance expert coordinating understanding of a functions’ financial forecasting, modelling and budget planning processes across the financial cycle
Implement and maintain effective financial management arrangements and promote the improvement of financial awareness, capability and practice to empower budget holders to deliver value for money services. Through a high level of service understanding and financial reporting support budget holders and finance business partners to prepare robust business cases, identifying and quantifying associated costs, benefits and risks.
Co-ordinates the annual accounts closure for a functional area through active engagement, training and support with budget holders to ensure all relevant timescales are met.
Manage the analysis, interpretation and support of financial and performance data to complete financial returns, questionnaires and information requests as required.
Full CCAB and evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area
Knowledge & understanding of financial management and financial frameworks in a large organisation, preferably within the public sector.
Experience of delivering improvements within a finance setting.
Providing financial advice & support to management teams.
Experience of evaluating and supporting innovative and effective means of financing the delivery of large-scale services.
Experience of working with others to build effective working relationships with finance colleagues and other senior managers.
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR)) on our careers site
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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