Financial Accountant

Sandwell Council; Oldbury; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Job summary

Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a detailed and experienced Financial Accountant to join its Financial Reporting and Regulatory team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at its Oldbury office. The role supports statutory accounts production, CIPFA/compliance and corporate returns, with a hybrid pattern of two days in the office and two from home.

The postholder will lead year-end processes, manage external audits, advise on financial planning and develop policies to drive the

Qualifications

• Fully qualified member of UK CCAB body (e.g. CIPFA, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA).
• Experience in a finance role, preferably Local Government.
• Experience of supporting the closure of accounts.
• Experience of managing a team and delivering financial outcomes.
• Experience of year-end statutory accounts production.

Responsibilities

• Lead on year-end processes for corporate closure of accounts and production of statutory statements.
• Lead on the external audit process for the Statement of Accounts.
• Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to support corporate objectives.
• Develop and implement policies and strategies for the service area with sound technical basis.
• Produce reports and briefings for diverse audiences, including potentially contentious communications.

Skills

Chartered accountant

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Statutory accounts

Audit liaison

Education

Chartered accountancy qualification

Job description

Grade/Salary: Band I, SCP 44-47 (£55,609 to £59,025 per annum)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full time

Working pattern: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE

Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a detailed and experienced Financial Accountant to join its Financial Reporting and Regulatory team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at its Oldbury office. The organisation currently operates a hybrid working model with two days in the office and two days working from home.

The Financial Accountant will work alongside the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the functions under the remit of the post and to provide financial advice and challenge to support the delivery of services and the achievement of Corporate Plan objectives.

Under the guidance of the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant, the role will be responsible for the technical financial aspects of the area it supports, which will include, for example, the production of statutory accounts (including compliance with accounting standards), the production of corporate statutory financial returns, taxation, and ensuring the capital asset register is maintained.

The postholder will play a key role in supporting the Council’s change and transformation activities by providing strategic financial advice and guidance, and by offering innovative and creative solutions.

In this role you will:

• Lead on year-end processes (revenue and/or capital) for the corporate closure of accounts and production of the Statutory Statement of Accounts including core financial statements and associated notes in line with CIPFA requirements.
• Possess a detailed understanding of relevant legislation and underlying concepts and principles of Local Government Finance in particular the technical areas of the statement of accounts (revenue and/or capital).
• Lead on the external audit process for the Statement of Accounts.
• Take ownership of management responsibilities within the service area and deliver the objectives and priorities of the Council, through engagement, consultation and negotiation with all stakeholders, utilising highly developed skills of persuasion.
• To devise and implement creative and innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges.
• Develop and produce policies and strategies relating to the service area and ensure that decisions are evidenced and supported by sound technical principles.
• Produce and present accurate detailed and complex reports, articles and briefings both verbally and in writing on matters relating to the service area. This will often involve delivering potentially contentious communications to a wide range of audiences.
• Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Thematic Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.

Attributes that you would bring to the role:

• Fully Qualified member of the UK's recognised Chartered Accountancy body (i.e. CCAB, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or CIPFA).
• Demonstratable experience in a finance role, preferably in a Local Government setting:
• *Experience of supporting the closure of accounts
• *Direct experience of managing a team of several individuals
• *Experience of managing tasks involving others.
• Experience of year end processes including production of statutory accounts.
• Experience of managing and developing individuals and teams to deliver the outcomes of the Directorate Business Plan and Corporate Plan.
• Experience of effective financial management and delivering financial advice at a strategic level across services.
• Experience of building effective partnerships, negotiating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work well with others at all levels within the organisation.
• Ability to motivate and influence others at all levels through positive relationships.
• Ability to work flexibly across areas of diversity.

Why Sandwell Council?

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you’ll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.

To find out more, please visit our careers page: We Are Sandwell – We Are Sandwell

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a high number of applications be received. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know.

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role.

If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at [e-mail].

If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

If you have a disability and require assistance in submitting your CV, please contact [e-mail]