Job Description

Assistant Accountant

Location:

Cromer Road, ST1 6AY

Start Date:

ASAP

Contract Duration:

6+ Months

Working Hours:

Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00, 37 Hours per week

Pay Rate

: 54.05 per hour

Job Ref:

5276928

Job Responsibilities

Support the delivery of high-quality, efficient financial, accounting, and budgeting services to aid the town Council in achieving its corporate aims and objectives. Contribute to the compilation, monitoring, and reporting of the Council's integrated Medium Term Financial Strategy and other related plans. Provide effective financial and accounting analysis in support of town Council projects and desired outcomes. Offer analysis and financial advice to stakeholders to assist the Council in achieving its corporate aims and objectives. Contribute to the delivery of the Council's statutory Statement of Accounts in line with professional and statutory requirements. Participate in the formulation, implementation, and review of service plans. Help deliver an effective, high-performing, customer-focused financial service that is continuously improving. Promote effective team building to provide financial information, analysis, support, and advice to officers as appropriate. Assist in formulating innovative and forward-looking financial practices. Support the effective delivery of the value for money agenda. Provide support and advice on financial management, policy development, and corporate financial matters. Support the provision of effective financial management and regular monitoring of performance indicators and quality standards as they affect the value for money agenda. Contribute to the achievement of any relevant statutory inspections. Contribute to the Service Plans in line with recognized best practice, regulatory, and statutory requirements. Ensure Finance Assistants (if relevant) within the team are organized, receive appropriate learning, are informed, managed, and motivated to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective service. Maintain and enhance all functions within the section. Maintain effective communications to ensure that key interests both inside and outside the Directorate are appropriately informed and involved. Foster positive relationships with its own staff, customers, auditors, members, the rest of the Directorate, other directorates, and partners. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key partners and stakeholders. Support the development and maintenance of the highest standards in the reporting of financial information including the town Council's statutory accounts. Represent the Assistant Director, Financial Services at working groups and other meetings. Work closely with other sections to maintain an integrated, professional finance service. Act as a point of contact with the town Council's appointed external auditors regarding financial reporting and governance matters. Report to an Accountant in respect of management issues and the Council's financial affairs. Embrace the town Council's vision and values through effective leadership and the promotion of sound financial management. Promote a culture of high-quality risk management, financial governance, and accountability to ensure that best value for money is sought. Operate in an open manner and ensure that the appropriate Accountant is kept informed on key issues. Promote a culture of opportunity, achievement, responsibility, and personal development within the section. Promote the modernization agenda particularly to achieve Value for Money across the Council. Actively promote diversity in the provision of services in accordance with the town Council's policies and procedures. Perform any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post.

Person Specification

AAT Qualified or equivalent with full current membership and CPD participation. Basic understanding of local government finance, accounting, and budgetary control. Appreciation of the nature of a political environment. Record of success in helping support sustainable improvements. A track record of helping to motivate and inspire staff to deliver a change agenda and improve service delivery. Proven success in developing effective working relationships. Relevant technical experience in the respective role. Demonstrable experience of the utilization of financial information systems. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with other people both inside and outside the directorate. Good oral, written, and presentation skills with the ability to represent the Council's policies and views to stakeholders. Ability to help maximize resources and manage budgets effectively in a financially disciplined environment. Ability to implement creative and imaginative approaches. A good team player with the energy and determination to support the promotion of cultural changes to raise service standards in Stoke-on-Trent. This includes a personal and professional commitment to open communication, open-mindedness, equal opportunities, and diversity. Ability to make effective decisions at a relative level in a complex and challenging environment. Degree of personal and professional probity, integrity, and credibility that sustains the confidence and trust of stakeholders.
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Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 54.05 per hour

Expected hours: 37 per week

Experience:

Assistant Accountant: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person