Contract to start ASAP until 31-08-26 with a possible extension.

Job Purpose

To act as a Principal Accountant in providing a comprehensive accountancy and financial management service across the Council, which includes consolidating the revenue budget monitoring process, working in conjunction with the Finance Manager to produce the Council's annual budget and medium-term financial strategy.

The post-holder will take responsibility in key areas of financial management and accounting and will work closely with internal and external auditors.

Responsibilities

Revenue Budget

To take responsibility and critically evaluate and challenge budget managers information provided to compile the Council's annual budget and budget forecasting processes:

Provide professional financial support and guidance to operational managers with their budgets, forecasts and service planning.

Provide professional financial advice to support new projects and initiatives identifying financial impacts, offering options and solutions that will enable projects to meet the objectives of the Council.

Have lead responsibility for the production of the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return for review by S151 officer.

Financial Strategy

To make a major contribution to the wider financial planning activities of the Council, by understanding the bigger picture and how Government Policy and plans impact the Council's financial position and plans.

Contribute to the wider strategic plans of the Council's finances working with the Finance Manager and s151 Officer developing the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant financial legislation and national policies to ensure the Council is prepared for future impacts.

Annual Accounts

To take the lead on some complex areas of the Council's annual financial accounts which could be in relation to either revenue an capital areas.

Interpret legislation and complex guidance to ensure that the Council's Statement of Accounts' are fully compliant.

Liaising with external auditors to ensure that they are able to complete their statutory audit of the Council's accounts and systems.

To be personally responsible for key elements of the production of the annual statement of accounts.

Provide support in the production of reports for committee meetings.

Provide guidance and support to Service Managers responsible for providing information required for the Council's annual accounts.

Central Government Claims and Returns

To be responsible in conjunction with colleagues for the completion and submission of statutory returns some of which may involve complex work and judgement to deliver e.g. NNDR 1, NNDR 3, Housing Benefit Subsidy, Council Tax Requirement, RA and Whole of Government Accounts.

Government returns or grant claims are frequently complex and involve large sums of money and errors or emissions, which could lead to a loss of income for the Council.

Liaison with Government Departments to resolve issues or problems with returns or claims.

Disclaimer: On applying for this vacancy, you agree that your personal details will be passed onto our client for their consideration of your suitability for the role. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to notify iWork Recruitment Limited of any hirer who I do not want my details to be passed onto.

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