Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in London is seeking a Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant to shape financial strategies through complex modelling and strategic insights. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in public sector finance and strong communication skills to support decision-making processes. Hands-on experience and proficiency in Excel are essential. This role contributes significantly to the Council's financial strategy and reporting frameworks.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in financial modelling and planning.
• Ability to work with complex financial data to provide insights.
• Strong understanding of public sector finance and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex financial modelling and scenario analysis.
• Support delivery of statutory returns and financial processes.
• Provide insights into financial impacts of transformation plans.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Collaborative approach

Quantitative skills

Education

Qualified or part-qualified accountant

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial systems

Job description

Overview

As the Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant, you will play a key role in shaping the Council's medium-term financial strategy. You will lead on complex financial modelling, benchmarking and scenario analysis to drive evidence-based decision-making across the Council. Your expertise will support the delivery of statutory returns and contribute to key financial processes including year-end closure, budget planning, financial reporting and audit preparation. You will provide clear, actionable insight into the financial impact of transformation plans and savings initiatives, ensuring they are accurately assessed, transparently reported and aligned with the Council's strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex financial modelling, benchmarking and scenario analysis to drive evidence-based decision-making across the Council.
• Support the delivery of statutory returns and contribute to key financial processes including year-end closure, budget planning, financial reporting and audit preparation.
• Provide clear, actionable insight into the financial impact of transformation plans and savings initiatives, ensuring they are accurately assessed, transparently reported and aligned with the Council's strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant with a sharp analytical mindset and hands-on experience in financial modelling and planning.
• Ability to work with complex financial data and translate it into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills to translate technical data into simple, compelling narratives that support strategic decision-making.
• Solid understanding of public sector finance, including funding arrangements and statutory requirements of Local Government.
• Collaborative approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other core Office applications (Word, PowerPoint), and experience using financial systems.
• Strong quantitative and numeracy skills with ability to analyse, evaluate and interpret financial and other data from multiple sources.