Transformation Programme Accountant

Civic Recruitment Limited; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 101,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking a Finance Programme Manager for a 6-month rolling contract with a local authority in Bournemouth. You will implement strong financial controls, forecasting, reporting and budget management to support major transformation initiatives.

You will work with Programme Managers, PMO teams, Finance Partners and Benefits Realisation Leads to ensure investments are financially sustainable and aligned with the Council's MTFP.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, or ACA.
• Extensive experience managing multi-million-pound budgets.
• Experience forecasting, scenario modelling, and variance analysis.
• Strong supplier spend management and invoice accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and oversee budget baselines for the ERP Programme and Transformation Portfolio.
• Create and sustain Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) including internal resources and supplier costs.
• Ensure budgets align with the MTFP and strategic goals.
• Monitor financial performance and propose corrective actions.
• Reconcile expenditures using finance systems and allocate costs across workstreams.
• Generate monthly budget monitoring reports and conduct variance analyses.
• Lead forecasting activities including EAC and ETC.

Skills

Budget management

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Cost control

Financial reporting

Education

CIPFA

CIMA

ACCA

ACA

Job description

Bournemouth, United Kingdom | Posted on 17/09/2026

• City Bournemouth
• Province Dorset
• Country United Kingdom
• Postal Code BH1

About Us

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That's why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors. In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions. Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 months rolling contract with a local authority

Summary

• This role involves a 6-month rolling contract with a local authority, offering a daily rate of £550 to £650, outside IR35. The primary responsibility is to uphold strong financial controls, forecasting, reporting, and budget management to support significant organisational transformation projects. The position requires collaboration with Programme Managers, PMO teams, Finance Business Partners, and Benefits Realisation Leads to ensure that programme investments are financially sustainable, compliant, and in line with the Council's Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and oversee budget baselines for the ERP Programme and broader Transformation Portfolio.
• Create and sustain comprehensive Cost Breakdown Structures (CBS) that include internal resources, supplier costs, contingency, and project expenditures.
• Ensure that programme and portfolio budgets are consistent with strategic goals and the Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP).
• Monitor financial performance and propose corrective measures when needed.
• Reconcile expenditures using corporate finance systems and ensure precise cost allocation across workstreams.
• Generate monthly budget monitoring reports and conduct variance analyses.
• Lead forecasting activities, including Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Forecast to Complete (ETC).

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in managing finance for programmes, projects, or transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in handling complex, multi-million-pound budgets across various workstreams.
• Experience in creating reliable financial forecasts, scenario modelling, and variance analysis.
• Strong background in managing supplier spending and ensuring invoice accuracy.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with one of the following professional certifications:
  • CIPFA
  • CIMA
  • ACCA
  • ACA
  • Or an equivalent recognised accounting qualification

Additional Information

• Payments are processed on a bi-weekly schedule.
• The application deadline is 23rd September 2026; early applications are encouraged.