Local Authority Accountant - Budget & Reporting (6m)

Civic Recruitment Limited; Basildon; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited in Basildon is seeking a Senior Accountant for a 6-month contract with a local authority. The role focuses on budget preparation, financial reporting, and producing statutory accounts, with financial ad Vice to budget holders and senior management to drive performance.

The post requires at least 3 years in a local authority finance setting, AAT or higher qualification, and onsite work for 4 days per week. 36.25 hours weekly; bi-weekly schedule, closes 29 August 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in budget preparation, financial reporting and statutory accounts.
• Experience with capital and revenue accounting and MTFS.
• Onsite local authority finance environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the annual budget-setting process by preparing budget estimates in line with corporate guidance and deadlines.
• Monitor revenue and capital budgets, identifying variances, efficiencies, and financial pressures.
• Provide budgetary control and financial performance reporting to senior management and service managers.
• Work closely with budget holders to ensure effective financial planning and resource management.
• Support the development and delivery of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Statutory accounts

Capital accounting

Education

AAT Qualified or higher professional accounting qualification

A-Level standard or equivalent

GCSE English and Maths Grade C/4 or above

Job description

Civic Recruitment Limited in Basildon is seeking a Senior Accountant for a 6-month contract with a local authority. The role focuses on budget preparation, financial reporting, and producing statutory accounts, with financial ad Vice to budget holders and senior management to drive performance.

The post requires at least 3 years in a local authority finance setting, AAT or higher qualification, and onsite work for 4 days per week. 36.25 hours weekly; bi-weekly schedule, closes 29 August 2026.