Group Accountant

Bath & North East Somerset Council; Keynsham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in Keynsham is seeking a Group Accountant to provide high-quality financial management and support to budget managers. The role requires a professional accountancy qualification and significant experience, along with advanced Excel skills. The successful candidate will be responsible for capital budget monitoring, producing accounts according to reporting standards, and preparing grant applications. This position offers opportunities for management development.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide financial advice and management account support.
• Monitor and assure the Capital Budget.
• Prepare and monitor grant applications.
• Produce final accounts including disclosure notes.

Skills

Advanced Excel skills

Excellent communication skills

Financial analysis

Understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards

Education

Full professional accountancy qualification

Job description

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

We are seeking to permanently recruit a credible, experienced Group Accountant to provide financial advice and management account 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 will enable them to analyze their spending and forecasts, supporting them to deliver their Capital Project outcomes while working within their allocated budgets.

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

• Capital Budget monitoring and assurance
• Supporting the development of business cases and approvals for new initiatives
• Financial advice and support to Budget Managers
• Driving improvements in financial support to Project Managers
• Producing final accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, including disclosure notes and financial analysis
• Preparing and monitoring grant applications, claims, and returns, ensuring statutory compliance and responding to queries
• Financial controls and governance

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

About You

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

Additional Information

If interested, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager Project Finance, at 01225 477022 or via email. The interview is scheduled for 26.08.2025.

No agencies please.

Note: BANES Council considers applications from individuals on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployees) ahead of external applicants if they meet the essential criteria.

About Bath & North East Somerset Council

Working here provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and positively impact residents’ lives. Our values guide how we deliver services and communicate with residents. We prioritize the best outcomes for local people.

Why Join Us?

We offer a range of benefits to ensure fair pay, work/life balance, and support. Learn 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.