Senior Accountant

4 weeks ago

Prenton, Wirral, United Kingdom Liverpool City Combined Authority Full time
Job Description
Job Title
Senior Accountant
Grade
PO6
Reporting To

Finance Manager/Senior Finance Manager/Senior Finance Business Partner
JD Ref
BUS0146P

PURPOSE


THE SENIOR ACCOUNTANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPPORTING NON-FINANCE TEAMS IN MONITORING AND MAINTAINING THEIR BUDGETS, AS WELL AS DELIVERING ON TECHNICAL, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY-RELATED RESPONSIBILITIES.

THE SENIOR ACCOUNTANT WILL PROVIDE ACCURATE, TIMELY AND COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS TO INFORM DECISION-MAKING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

THE POST HOLDER WILL SUPPORT THE MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND UPDATING OF THE MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY AND ANNUAL BUDGET TO ENSURE THAT IT SUPPORTS THE STRATEGIC AIMS OF THE COUNCIL.


MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Behavioural:

  • Enjoy, achieve, create impact, and thrive in the role and organisation.
  • Live our values in the role and organisation.
Role Specific Duties &

Responsibilities:

  • Provide financial support and guidance to non-finance teams, assisting them in the fulfilment of their responsibilities as well as the delivery of the Council's statutory obligations.
  • Prepare accurate financial reports, forecasts, and budgets for assigned teams, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
  • Analyse financial data, identify trends and variances and provide insights to support decision-making processes.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and implement effective financial controls and processes.
  • Assist in the preparation of year-end accounts, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and statutory requirements.
  • Support the Senior Finance Manager/Finance Manager/Senior Finance Business Partner in providing financial advice and guidance to senior management.
  • Mentor and advise junior members of the finance team, providing support and guidance where necessary.
  • Participate in financial system improvements and contribute to the enhancement of financial reporting capabilities.
  • Stay updated with changes in financial regulations, policies, and best practices, ensuring their implementation within the team.
  • Conduct complex financial analysis and provide recommendations for improving financial performance and efficiency.
  • Undertake any other duties as required by senior management.

Compliance:

  • Adhere to and comply with all relevant corporate policies and procedures including Health & Safety, General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Corporate Governance and Code of Conduct.

Other:

  • Any other duties commensurate with the grade.
ROLE SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualifications

  • A recognised professional/technical accountancy qualification/part qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
  • Desirable - Educated to degree level.
Knowledge & Skills

  • Knowledge of financial regulations and accounting standards relevant to local government.
  • Significant experience of budget setting and budget monitoring activity.
  • Experience of supporting and challenging budget holders responsible for financial management.
  • Excellent technical accounting knowledge.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide financial advice and guidance to both finance and non-finance colleagues.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
  • Desirable - Knowledge of local government finance and political matters.
Experience

  • Significant experience of working in a financial monitoring role.
  • Experience of successfully working in a team environment.
  • Significant experience of applying technical accounting knowledge as part of financial management practices.
  • Experience of in-depth support on financial year-end/closedown processes.
  • Experience of producing statutory financial returns in line with deadlines.
  • Demonstrable experience of maintaining financial control mechanisms, including reconciliation activity.
  • Desirable - Experience of liaising with external auditors
  • Desirable - Experience of using financial software packages.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ability to travel across the Borough and work from various locations.
Work hybrid, with a flexible working approach to accommodate service needs.
Expected to work from a fixed location (subject to change).

On occasion, able to work outside traditional hours, of a weekend and evening as required, adopting a flexible working approach in response to business requirements.


Health & Safety Considerations:

  • Work with VDUs (Video Display Unit) (>5hrs per week)

APPROVED BY:
DAN KIRWAN (AD - FINANCE AND INVESTMENT)

DATE OF APPROVAL:
SEPTEMBER 2023

2

This role is hybrid, it will be a mixture of office based and home working.


The Senior Accountant is responsible for supporting non-finance teams in monitoring and maintaining their budgets, as well as delivering on technical, finance and accountancy-related responsibilities.

The Senior Accountant will provide accurate, timely and comprehensive financial information and analysis to inform decision-making and financial management activities.

The post holder will support the management, development and updating of the medium-term financial strategy and annual budget to ensure that it supports the strategic aims of the Council.