Financial Accountant

Corporate Finance

Corporate Finance plays a major role in supporting effective management of Council finances and secure stewardship of Council funds. This is achieved by providing financial advice on all corporate and service developments in order to support corporate decision making arrangements. The Service is responsible for development of the Council's medium term financial strategy and the annual budget setting process to ensure effective delivery of the Corporate Plan.

The Service also has to be flexible to meet the demands of legislative changes and is required to be reactive to client needs and external influences.

• Financial and Management Accounting
• Treasury Management and banking arrangements
• Income Controls, Financial Systems, Creditors, and Banking Arrangements

You will need to have a good working knowledge of Council Tax law and recovery, have an ability to interpret and explain legislation, and be proficient with using IT systems.

• The timely and accurate production of the annual Statement of Accounts.
• The HRA and Housing General Fund revenue and capital accounting.
• The Housing and General Fund Services capital programmes and accounting for capital, including fixed asset accounting.
• Provision of financial services to the Council's wholly owned subsidiary Sempra Homes Ltd.
• In conjunction with Corporate Property Services the delivery of the Council's commercial asset acquisition strategy
• The prompt allocation of all Council income including reconciliation to underlying records.
• The transmission of all the Council's BACS files.
• Regular budgetary control with necessary reporting to senior management. Regular liaison with Cost Centre Managers on budget issues ensuring appropriate evidence of control is maintained.
• Provision of accurate and timely financial management information to senior management and Members whilst working with Cost Centre Managers to find financial solutions to service priorities.
• Policy, strategy and delivery in relation to Treasury Management (borrowing, investments cash flow, leasing and special financing) including control of the Council's cash management systems.
• Assisting with the preparation of Council Tax base and use of reserves to feed into the overall Council Tax Setting process.
• Contributions to corporate governance in relation to Capital Strategy, Treasury Management Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy, Financial Regulations and Financial Procedure Notes.
• Other work such as VAT, IFRS and Collection Fund.

You will be a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with strong technical accounting skills and a proven track record in financial management within a large, complex organisation.

You’ll bring analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-specialists. A proactive problem solver, you’ll be comfortable managing deadlines, influencing senior stakeholders, and driving continuous improvement in financial reporting and governance.

• Preparing and closing statutory accounts.
• Managing large capital programmes and technical accounting processes.
• Providing expert financial advice and reporting at a senior level.
• Leading or mentoring staff.
• Strong IT and financial system skills, including advanced Excel.

The borough of Basildon is alive with opportunity and has the ingredients to be one of the most successful and desirable places in the South East. As the largest economy in the Thames Estuary outside London, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved but we are never complacent. We are driving inclusive, sustainable growth to provide opportunity and prosperity for local people and businesses, access to quality homes, vibrant town centres and an enhanced local environment, Basildon Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults, and expects all employees, contractors and volunteers to share its commitment to prevent abuse, harm or exploitation.