Financial Accountant – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading fire and rescue service as a Financial Accountant, where your expertise will support frontline emergency services. This role offers diverse financial responsibilities including budget preparation, statutory accounting, and treasury management, all within a progressive and inclusive environment. You'll contribute to impactful projects while promoting community safety and professional development.

Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Supportive and Inclusive Culture

Flexible Working Options

Qualifications

• Experience working with operational managers to prepare and manage budgets.
• Recent experience in the production of final accounts.
• Desirable local authority experience.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets.
• Contribute to the production of statutory accounts.
• Provide accurate financial information for decision-making.

Skills

Financial Management

Budget Preparation

Statutory Accounting

Audit Liaison

Treasury Management

Education

Professionally qualified accountant (CCAB bodies)

Tools

Large Financial Ledger Systems

Job description

Financial Accountant – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Location: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Headquarters

Salary: £40,476 – £44,771 (Dependent on Experience)

Contract Type: Full Time | Permanent

Closing Date: 8th June 2025

Your Finance Expertise. Our Community Impact.

Join one of the UK’s leading fire and rescue services and play a key role in managing public funds that help protect and serve the people of Cheshire. At Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are a progressive, forward-thinking organisation where your finance career can thrive while making a genuine difference to our communities.

We’re currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Accountant to support the delivery of financial services across the organisation. This is a varied and rewarding role, offering exposure to all aspects of financial management, statutory accounting, and budget planning.

Why You Should Join Us:

1. Diverse Financial Experience: From budget preparation and final accounts to treasury management and audit liaison, this role provides a broad platform for financial growth and development.
2. Career Development in a Progressive Setting: Gain experience across key functions, be involved in high-impact projects, and benefit from a supportive environment that promotes continuous professional development.
3. Purposeful Work: Your financial expertise will directly support frontline emergency services, enabling us to invest effectively in people, equipment, and community safety initiatives.
4. Supportive, Inclusive Culture: We champion equality, diversity, and inclusion and promote flexible working, wellbeing, and a strong sense of belonging across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets in partnership with operational managers.
2. Contribute to the production of statutory accounts and liaise with auditors.
3. Provide accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making.
4. Supervise and produce statutory and non-statutory financial returns, including VAT and FOI responses.
5. Support treasury management activities including cash flow forecasting.
6. Maintain the Authority’s asset register and assist in managing financial systems and processes.
7. Represent the Finance team in cross-departmental projects and meetings.
8. Provide advice, training, and support to budget holders and internal stakeholders.
9. Lead and support team members to ensure consistent delivery of financial services.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Professionally qualified accountant (CCAB bodies – e.g., CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).
• Experience working with operational managers to prepare and manage budgets.
• Recent experience in the production of final accounts (local authority experience desirable).
• Experience of working with large financial ledger systems.

Please see the full advert on the FCRS website.