Accountant (x2)

Folkestone & Hythe District Council; Folkestone; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is seeking a skilled financial accountant to join their finance team. The successful candidate will lead budget setting, manage statutory returns, and provide financial guidance across various services. Candidates should be AAT qualified or CCAB part-qualified with at least 3 years of experience in the public sector. The position offers flexible working arrangements, generous leave, and participation in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Generous Leave

Pension Scheme

Family-Friendly Initiatives

Health & Wellbeing initiatives

Additional Perks

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a financial environment, ideally within local government.
• Strong technical knowledge of VAT and financial systems.
• Ability to present complex financial data clearly.

Responsibilities

• Leading on budget setting and year-end accounts preparation.
• Providing financial advice across various service areas.
• Managing statutory returns and compliance functions.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

Proactive and detail-oriented

Education

AAT qualified or CCAB part-qualified

Job description

Overview

Are you a skilled and motivated financial accountant looking for your next challenge in a dynamic public sector environment? Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council's Finance Team and play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality financial support across a range of services and projects.

There are 2 Accountant roles available, supporting 'Oportunitas, s106, CIL & Charities' and 'Strategy & Resources'. If you have a specific interest in either of these areas, please make this clear in the Supporting Information for your application.

Responsibilities

• Leading on budget setting, monitoring and year-end accounts preparation.
• Providing financial advice across service areas including HRA, Oportunitas Ltd, and Charities.
• Managing statutory returns, VAT compliance, and treasury functions.
• Supporting and mentoring the Assistant Accountant.
• Delivering financial insights to senior stakeholders and contributing to corporate strategy.

Person Specification

Qualifications: AAT qualified or CCAB part-qualified accountant.

Experience: Minimum 3 years' experience in a financial environment, ideally within local government. Strong technical knowledge of VAT, budget management, and financial systems.

Skills: Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex financial data clearly. A proactive, detail-oriented team player with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Join Us?

Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working: Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous Leave: Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi-time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family-Friendly Initiatives: Benefit from a range of family-friendly policies and support.
• Health & Wellbeing: Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Additional Perks: Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.

Closing date for receipt of all completed applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 19th October 2025.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29th October 2025.

Contact

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jonathan Smith - Chief Officer, Financial Services (Deputy s151). Email: [e-mail], Tel: [phone]

Salary range: £43,438 - £49,655 per year