Accountant

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; Taplow; Hybrid; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is looking for a motivated Accountant to join their finance team. The role involves supporting budget processes and collaborating with service managers. Candidates should be part-qualified in an accounting body and have strong financial skills. This full-time position offers a salary of £37,526 - £41,613 with hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

32 days annual leave

Flexible working

Generous Local Government Pension scheme

Free employee parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Must be part-qualified in a relevant accounting body.
• Experience in a finance team is required.
• Proficient in Excel and financial systems.

Responsibilities

• Support budget setting and forecasting processes.
• Assists with year-end closedown and audit queries.
• Build relationships with service managers.

Skills

Part-qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA)

Strong accountancy/book-keeping skills

Proficiency in Excel and financial systems

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines

Knowledge of local government finance

Job description

This is an exciting time to join our finance team at the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. We are looking to build a world‑class finance team to support all our services navigate the challenging financial environment in which local authorities operate. With the lowest Council Tax of any unitary authority outside of London we have a record of delivering efficiently. However, we cannot stand still and strengthening the finance team to meet future demands is a priority. We're looking for a motivated and collaborative Accountant to join our finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a high‑performing service that supports the council in navigating the complex financial landscape of local government. Reporting to a Finance Business Partner, you'll play a key role in budget setting, forecasting, and year‑end closedown. You'll work closely with service managers to provide insightful financial support and challenge to help ensure resources are used effectively. We're looking for someone who is confident working independently, comfortable communicating financial information clearly, and committed to continuous improvement. You'll be part of a team that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. Working is hybrid, but a presence on the office on average of two days week is required as building a motivated finance team is critical to success. There will be expectation that business critical meetings are prioritised to be attended in person.

Responsibilities

• Supporting budget setting and forecasting processes.
• Assisting with year‑end closedown and responding to audit queries.
• Building strong relationships with service managers and finance colleagues.
• Contributing to ad hoc finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Investigating and understanding variances between budget and forecast.

Qualifications and Skills

• Part‑qualified CCAB accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA).
• Experience in a finance team with strong accountancy/book‑keeping skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of local government finance (desirable).

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council — a unitary authority — takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £37,526 - £41,613 (up to £48,446 for exceptional candidates) per annum.

Benefits

• 32 days annual leave
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work‑life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities' employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger. If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role. Interviews are planned for week commencing 9th December and will be held in person at Maidenhead Town Hall.