Opus People Solutions on behalf of Brentwood Borough Council are recruiting for a Senior Accountant to join their team on a temporary contract

Start Date:

ASAP

Length:

3 Months

Working Location:

Brentwood, Part Remote

Working Hours:

37

Overall purpose of the role:

• To formulate and develop service budgets.
• To monitor and manage service budgets.

Main Responsibilities:

• To work closely with Services/Departments within the Council to set and manage budgets.
• To ensure close monitoring of service budgets and early highlighting of issues, providing suggestions and assistance for resolving such matters.
• To provide budget challenge and escalation of issues as appropriate.
• To contribute towards the compilation, monitoring and reporting of the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy and Annual Budget.
• To assist with the setting of fees and charges within your areas of responsibility.
• To complete key reconciliations and clearance of suspense account.
• To be aware of the VAT implications on service budgets and projects.
• To liaise with Internal and External Audit to resolve any queries in a helpful and timely manner.
• To participate in projects by providing financial support, as required.
• To deliver continuous improvement in processes and practices within the Financial Services Department.
• To manage and report on statutory and operational performance indicators and targets relevant to your area.
• To contribute to the closure of the Council's accounts and preparation of the Statement of Accounts.
• Ensure the Council meets all statutory and external reporting requirements.
• To complete and maintain procedure notes for your areas of responsibility.
• To contribute towards the formulation and review of service plans.
• Undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required within this post to support the operational needs of the service area and Council, including maintaining business continuity and during any civil emergencies.

Qualifications/Experience Needed:

• Minimum grade A - C GCSE or equivalent.
• Part or fully qualified CCAB Accountant
• Sound understanding of public sector (Local Government) finance and legislation.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of budgeting and budgetary control.
• Good knowledge of accounting codes of practice