Group Accountant

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Bath & North East Somerset Council is seeking a credible Group Accountant to provide financial management and advice. The role involves capital budget monitoring, financial model support, and compliance with financial standards. This opportunity supports line management and the development of a Career Grade Accountant, essential for community service.

Benefits

Work/life balance support

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunity for career development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial/accountancy services.
• Ability to explain technical accounting concepts.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assure capital budgets.
• Provide financial advice and support to Budget Managers.
• Produce final accounts per International Financial Reporting Standards.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Communication

Education

Full professional accountancy qualification

Job description

At Bath & North East Somerset Council, our overarching purpose is to improve people's lives.

We are seeking to permanently recruit a credible, experienced Group Accountant to provide financial advice and management accounting support to the organisation’s Budget Managers and Directors.

About The Role

You will be a ‘people person’ and a strong communicator, capable of building effective working relationships with Budget Managers, Heads of Service, and Directors. Your plain-speaking approach will enable them to analyze their spending and forecasts, supporting the delivery of their Capital Project outcomes within their allocated budgets.

We are looking to appoint a Group Accountant to provide high-quality financial management in the following areas:

1. Capital Budget monitoring and assurance
2. Supporting the development of business cases and approvals for new initiatives
3. Providing financial advice and support to Budget Managers
4. Driving improvements in financial support to Project Managers
5. Producing final accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, including disclosure notes and financial analysis
6. Preparing and monitoring grant applications, claims, and returns in compliance with statutory requirements, and responding to queries on behalf of the Service
7. Financial controls and governance

This role offers opportunities for line management and the development of a Career Grade Accountant, requiring the skills to fulfill these responsibilities.

About You

You should possess a full professional accountancy qualification and have significant experience in financial/accountancy services. Advanced Excel skills and experience with financial models are essential. You will also have excellent communication skills to explain technical accounting concepts. While team-oriented, you should be comfortable working independently to meet tight deadlines.

If interested and seeking more details or a discussion about the role, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager Project Finance at 01225 477022 or via email.

Interview date: Wednesday 30th July 2025.

No agencies please.

Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). Redeployees expressing interest will be considered ahead of external applicants if they meet the essential criteria.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council

Working at Bath & North East Somerset offers an opportunity to contribute to your community and positively impact residents’ lives. Our values shape our service delivery and communication, emphasizing the best outcomes for local people.

Why Bath & North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits to ensure fair compensation, work/life balance, and support. Find out more about our values and our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.