Financial Accountant

West Yorkshire Combined Authority; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

28 days annual leave + bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional development support

Volunteering days

Job summary

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is seeking a Financial Accountant to join the Financial Accounting team in Leeds. This permanent, full-time role is hybrid with 37 hours per week and a competitive salary of £52,619.

You will lead on statutory reporting, collaborate with budget holders, liaise with auditors, and support month-end processes while ensuring adherence to IFRS and CIPFA standards within a local government context.

Qualifications

• Qualified CCAB / CIMA accountant with membership of relevant accountancy body, or CCAB / CIMA passed finalist.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and the CIPFA Code of Practice and experience of preparing financial statements under these standards.
• Deep understanding of financial procedures and statutory reporting within a Local Authority or similar organisation.
• Experience in delivering in-year monitoring, forecasting and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Proactively participate in and lead aspects of the production and delivery of statutory accounts and other statutory returns.
• Lead development of financial controls and reporting processes to drive improvement.
• Ensure compliance with financial standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

CCAB / CIMA qualified

IFRS knowledge

Public sector accounting

Financial controls

Education

CCAB / CIMA finalist

Job description

Financial Accountant

£52,619 – Grade 9

Leeds / Hybrid Full time / Permanent - 37 hours per week

Closing date – 20 September at 23:55

Please note that the Combined Authority will consider requests for part-time working and/or job share.

We currently have a vacancy for a Financial Accountant to join our Financial Accounting team.

You will be working within a team of four, as part of the wider Finance & Commercial Services Directorate. As one of two Financial Accountants, you will be responsible for ensuring adherence to relevant accounting standards and for leading on key aspects of the preparation of the statement of accounts and other statutory reporting, whilst also ensuring compliance with public sector processes and regulations.

You will play a key role in providing technical accounting advice to budget holders and business partners, in addition to recording statutory accounting adjustments in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice. You will also be taking an active role in month-end and year-end processes, including taxation and other aspects of the corporate finance. Additionally, you will be responsible for liaising with external auditors and other external partners, such as group entities, tax authorities, and external advisors.

Our Offer

• Work your way – From flexible and agile working options, including a generous flexi-time scheme to help you balance your personal life and career.
• Time to recharge – Enjoy 28 days of annual leave (with increases based on length of service), plus all Bank Holidays.
• Free greener travel across West Yorkshire – Cover your commute sustainably with unlimited free bus and rail travel using the MCard (Zones 1–5).
• Secure your future – Benefit from a highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Investing in you –Take advantage of supported professional development, regular training, and up to 3 paid volunteering days per year.
• Grow with us – Incremental salary progression for most roles and annual cost of living increases.
• Family first – We offer enhanced parental and bereavement leave, plus other family-friendly policies to support you when it matters most.
• Your wellbeing, our priority – Access 24/7 free confidential counselling services and the Headspace app for you and up to 5 family or friends.
• Modern workspace in a prime location – Work in bright, contemporary offices just a 2-minute walk from Leeds Train Station, fully equipped with the latest tech.

The Role

• Proactively participate in and lead aspects of the production and delivery of statutory accounts and other statutory returns, as well as associated in year monitoring, forecasting & reporting.
• Lead and give direction on the development of financial controls and financial reporting processes, in order to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure that the Combined Authority is compliant and up to date with all relevant financial standards and regulatory requirements.

Please review the Role Profile on our website for more information about the responsibilities.

About You

• Qualified CCAB / CIMA accountant with membership of relevant accountancy body, or CCAB / CIMA passed finalist.
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and the CIPFA Code of Practice and recent experience of preparing financial statements under these standards.
• Strong understanding of technical accounting and financial controls, with relevant experience of applying this knowledge in a practical context.
• Demonstrable deep understanding of financial procedures and statutory reporting within a Local Authority or similar organisation.
• Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role.

Further Information

The Combined Authority is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of people's age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, or other personal circumstances. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability and/or who are neuro divergent. To find out more about inclusivity at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority please visit our dedicated webpage.

Under the Disability Confident Scheme, applicants with a disability are guaranteed an interview, subject to the minimum criteria being met