Job Description

Salary

From 41,771 to 48,226 per annum (Grade J)

Contractual hours

37

Basis

Full Time

Package

Permanent

Job category/type

Finance

Date posted

27/08/2025

Job reference

REQ00000773



Are you an experienced accountant looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and supportive finance team? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Senior Accountant to join our Finance and Property Service, reporting to the Finance Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the financial management of a diverse range of services within the Council.

The

Role

As a Senior Accountant, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality financial services and support. Your main responsibilities will include:

Providing financial advice and support to service managers, ensuring effective budget management and control. Preparing and maintaining accurate financial information, including budgets, forecasts, and year-end accounts. Conducting variance analysis and providing insightful commentary on financial performance. Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Leading and supporting the delivery of specific finance projects and initiatives. Supervising and mentoring junior finance staff, providing guidance and support in their development.


The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience. Strong technical accounting skills and knowledge of public sector finance. Experience in budget setting, monitoring, and financial reporting. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Effective communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Line management experience would be advantageous.


West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00 Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities Generous Local Government pension scheme Family friendly policies A range of local discounts Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years' service.


Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

For an informal discussion to learn more about the role, please contact Lisa Potts at lisa.potts@westberks.gov.uk.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications