Accountant, Financial Reporting, Financial Analyst

About the role

We’re recruiting two accountants on two-year fixed-term contracts: one with a focus on tax, and one covering technical accountancy work.

These are hands‑on roles where you’ll be providing financial advice and support to services across the Council, keeping records accurate, and helping managers make well‑informed decisions. You’ll work with people at all levels, from operational colleagues through to heads of service, and you’ll need to be comfortable translating complex financial information into plain language.

Both posts involve a mix of day‑to‑day accountancy work and more complex projects. Some travel to other sites is part of the job, and you’ll occasionally cover for more senior colleagues.

The tax post focuses on providing advice and support on predominantly VAT matters across the Council, including preparing VAT returns, keeping up with legislative changes, and making sure we’re meeting our obligations.

The technical post covers the full range of local government accountancy; budgets, forecasts, final accounts, recharges, with a particular emphasis on collection fund accounting.

Both roles have line management responsibilities.

Please indicate in your application which post you’re applying for, or if you’d be happy to be considered for either.

• Preparing capital and revenue budgets and projections in consultation with service managers
• Maintaining accurate financial records and producing final accounts to agreed timescales
• Providing financial management information to support decision-making across services
• Contributing to the Medium Term Financial Strategy and associated planning
• Supporting managers with the financial implications of policy decisions
• Completing performance indicators, statistical returns and working papers
• Getting involved in review groups and contributing to process improvements
• Helping develop the team and sharing knowledge with colleagues

You’ll be AAT qualified (or hold an equivalent degree), with solid experience in financial reporting and working with a wide range of stakeholders. You’ll know your way around financial systems and spreadsheets, and you’ll have a good working knowledge of local government accounting.

Conflicting deadlines are a regular feature of both roles, particularly around the accounts cycle. You’ll need to be well‑organised, adaptable, and able to hold your own in a robust conversation when the situation calls for it.

For the tax post, an appreciation of the UK tax system is a real advantage.

• Full AAT membership or equivalent degree/qualification
• Evidence of ongoing CPD
• Experience of financial reporting, advice and support to a wide range of managers and stakeholders
• Experience of working collaboratively to deliver shared objectives
• Working knowledge of the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting
• Knowledge of local government accounting legislation and best practice
• Confident with financial systems, accounting software and spreadsheets
• Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to manage conflicting demands and deadlines

This is a fixed term contract, for two years.

At Dorset Council we value flexible working. This is a hybrid role with much of the work able to be done remotely, with occasional travel to County Hall, Dorchester, and other locations as required.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Dan Matthews, by emailing daniel.m

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible; if you need reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process.

• Be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• Have access to a range of benefits and support
• Receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress