Assistant Accountant; Part Time

Assistant Accountant| Newquay | Contract (18m)|

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for the next step in your public sector career? Butler Rose is delighted to be partnering with a well‑established public sector organisation in Newquay to recruit an Assistant Accountant. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on responsibility, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact within a community‑focused organisation.

Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, you'll play a pivotal part in the effective financial management, governance, and operational delivery of the Council's finance function. You will support statutory compliance and lead day‑to‑day accounting activity.

This position offers significant professional breadth‑from procurement oversight and payroll administration through to committee reporting, audit preparation, and deputising for the CFO when required.

Financial Management & Compliance

• Oversee day‑to‑day financial operations including budget monitoring, reconciliations, banking, cashflow and expenditure management.
• Support annual budget setting, precept documentation and statutory returns (AGAR, VAT, pensions, HMRC).
• Deliver month‑end and year‑end reporting, ensuring all financial governance aligns with legislation and internal regulations.

Payroll & Staff Payments

• Oversee the monthly payroll cycle using Moneysoft (or similar), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submissions.
• Liaise with HR regarding salary changes, new starters, leavers and statutory pay requirements.

Procurement & Contracts

• Lead procurement activity, ensuring adherence to procurement law, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
• Manage tendering, due diligence, contract set‑up and audit‑ready record keeping.

Grants & Funding

• Oversee the organisation's grants programme and support external grant applications and reporting.

Corporate Reporting & Governance

• Prepare and present financial reports for committees and contribute to wider governance documentation.
• Deputise for the CFO when required, supporting urgent decision‑making.

Risk, Audit & Compliance

• Support internal and external audits, implement improvements and maintain risk‑management practices.

Essential:

• AAT Level 3 (or above) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of public sector finance, or the ability and willingness to adapt quickly.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Excel and finance systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain finance to non‑specialists.
• Experience managing or mentoring colleagues.

Desirable:

• CCAB qualification (CIPFA / ACCA / CIMA) or working towards it.
• Experience in grant funding or project finance.
• Public sector experience.

This role offers meaningful responsibility, excellent exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to directly influence financial governance within a respected public sector organisation. It's ideal for someone seeking progression, variety and the opportunity to deputise at a senior level.

Please apply with an up to date copy of your CV.

For further information please contact:
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Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.