Corporate Accountant

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Corporate Accountant to join the Corporate Finance team. You will manage balance sheet reconciliations, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and support audit readiness while reinforcing internal controls.

The role offers a fixed-term contract for two years with 37 hours per week and a hybrid working pattern. You will drive improvements in financial reporting, support governance, and collaborate with budget holders and auditors to deliver robust financial

Qualifications

• Experience in balance sheet control and reconciliations.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards and governance requirements.
• Ability to understand complex financial data and resolve discrepancies.
• Experience supporting external audits and maintaining robust financial documentation.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations with supporting evidence.
• Investigate reconciling differences and aged items promptly.
• Ensure accuracy of key balance sheet areas: Debtors, Creditors, Inventories, Payroll, Housing Benefit, Rent, Reserves.
• Assist with year-end accounts and statutory financial statements with working papers.
• Liaise with budget holders, finance colleagues and auditors to resolve queries.

Skills

Balance sheet control

Account reconciliation

Financial accounting

Governance & controls

Audit support

Attention to detail

Job description

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: This is a fixed term contract for two years

Are you a finance professional with strong technical accounting expertise and a passion for improving financial processes?

This is an excellent opportunity to join Somerset Council's Corporate Finance team, where you'll play a key role in maintaining the accuracy, compliance and integrity of the Council's financial reporting. You'll help drive financial improvement initiatives, strengthen governance and controls, and support the delivery of high-quality financial services that make a real difference across the organisation.

About the Role

As a Corporate Accountant, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness and integrity of the Council's balance sheet accounts. You will lead the preparation, review and reconciliation of complex financial balances, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, statutory requirements and internal control frameworks. The role will support the delivery of accurate financial reporting, robust governance and continuous improvement across the finance function.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Prepare, review and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring all accounts are fully supported and reconciled.
• Investigate and resolve reconciling differences, aged items and accounting discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of key balance sheet areas including but not limited to Debtors, Creditors, Inventories, Payroll, Collection Fund, Housing Benefit, Rent and Reserves.
• Support the preparation of year-end accounts and statutory financial statements through the provision of robust balance sheet evidence and working papers.
• Liaise with budget holders, finance colleagues and auditors to resolve accounting queries and provide supporting documentation.
• Strengthen financial controls, reconciliation processes and governance arrangements to improve financial accuracy and compliance.
• Contribute to finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing financial reporting and reconciliation procedures.

What You'll Bring

• Significant experience in balance sheet control, account reconciliation and financial accounting.
• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, financial controls and corporate governance requirements.
• Proven ability to analyse complex financial information, identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Experience supporting external audit requirements and maintaining high-quality financial documentation.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and a commitment to maintaining accurate financial records.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• There will be an occasional requirement to travel to Somerset Council offices and other locations across the county for meetings and business needs.
• If you currently work for Somerset Council and would like to consider this as a secondment opportunity, please speak to your manager before applying via our internal SuccessFactors careers page.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.