Senior Accountant - Hybrid & Flexible Working, Pension

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Training and development

Local Government Pension Scheme

Family-friendly policies

Discounts

Wellbeing Programme

Annual leave 29 days + 5 after 5 years

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is seeking a Senior Accountant to join our Finance, Property & Procurement Service. Reporting to a Finance Business Partner, you will provide high-quality financial management support across Council services and help budget managers make informed decisions while ensuring compliance and robust financial controls.

This role combines technical accounting expertise with business partnering, leadership, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Part-qualified or fully qualified ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Substantial experience in an accounting environment.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of demand-led services and financial modelling.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships with managers and stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel to analyse and present financial information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines.
• Experience of leading, developing, or mentoring staff within a finance environment is desirable.
• Knowledge of local government finance would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Providing professional financial advice and support to budget managers and service leaders.
• Supporting budget setting, financial planning, monitoring, and forecasting processes.
• Producing accurate and timely management information and budgetary control reports.
• Preparing revenue estimates and supporting the delivery of the Council's budget strategies.
• Supporting the production of final accounts and ensuring robust working papers are maintained.
• Ensuring key financial controls, reconciliations, and statutory returns are completed accurately and on time.
• Supervising and supporting Accountants and Assistant Accountants, helping to develop skills and maintain high-quality standards.
• Driving continuous improvement and identifying opportunities to enhance financial processes and systems.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Budgeting and accounting principles

Financial mod/analytical skills

Leadership and mentoring

Managing competing priorities

Education

ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

West Berkshire Council is seeking a Senior Accountant to join our Finance, Property & Procurement Service. Reporting to a Finance Business Partner, you will provide high-quality financial management support across Council services and help budget managers make informed decisions while ensuring compliance and robust financial controls.

This role combines technical accounting expertise with business partnering, leadership, and continuous improvement.