HRA/Housing Accountant

Michael Page (UK); Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic local authority in Loughborough seeks a qualified accountant to lead on Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets. This role offers a minimum 6-month contract with £500+ per day, emphasizing expertise in local government finance and budget management. Candidates should exhibit strong stakeholder management skills and a proactive approach to process improvement within a collaborative finance team.

Qualifications

• Professionally qualified accountant with experience in local government finance.
• Extensive knowledge of HRA and housing accounting.
• Proven ability to lead financial processes and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the HRA housing budget, ensuring accurate monitoring and reporting.
• Manage year-end processes to meet statutory deadlines.
• Review and improve existing financial workflows for efficiency.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Budget Setting

Financial Monitoring

HRA Accounting

Process Improvement

Education

Professional Accountancy Qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent)

Job description

• Lead HRA housing budget, including budget reporting, and year-end accounts.
• Minimum 6 months interim contract - likely to be extended.

About Our Client

Our client is a forward-thinking local authority serving a diverse community of over 180,000 residents. Covering both urban and rural areas, the council has a strong focus on housing, community wellbeing, and financial sustainability. With one of the largest district populations in the country, it delivers a wide range of services and plays a key role in supporting local growth and development.

Job Description

• Take full ownership of HRA and housing budgets, delivering accurate monitoring, forecasting, and professional advice.
• Manage year-end processes for HRA, ensuring delivery of final accounts, statement of accounts, and compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Head of Housing and senior leadership to support strategic financial planning and service delivery.
• Review existing financial processes and workflows, implementing improvements where needed to strengthen efficiency and control.
• Provide support to a small finance team, upholding organisational values and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with local government accounting regulations, particularly those affecting housing finance and the HRA.

The Successful Applicant

• Professionally qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in local government finance, with strong expertise in HRA and housing accounting.
• Proven ability to lead on budget setting, financial monitoring, and year-end closure.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence non-finance colleagues.
• Resilient, proactive, and able to quickly get to grips with processes and workflows in a complex environment.

What's on Offer

• Minimum 6 months interim contract - likely to be extended.
• £500+ per day, inside IR35.
• Flexible hybrid working, or remote working.