Service Accountant

Location: Hackney

Service Accountant (Adult Social Care)

At Connect2

Hackney, we are looking for a proactive, user-focused Service Accountant to join the Finance and Resources directorate at the London Borough of Hackney.

In this pivotal role, you will act as a trusted financial partner for the Adult Social Care Service, offering high-quality advice, support, and constructive challenge to service managers across the council. You will play a vital part in driving our efficiency programme, managing service budgets, and helping deliver operational decisions that support a better Hackney.

Key Responsibilities

Lead on the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle, budget setting, regular monitoring, and accounts closing (across capital and revenue), ensuring clear audit trails and adherence to timetables.
Provide proactive financial guidance for operational decisions, offering challenge or justification to optimise service outcomes.
Scan for emerging financial risks within service areas, alert key managers, and collaborate to implement effective mitigation strategies.
Deputise for the Group Accountant as required and supervise, coach, and develop Accountancy Assistants in the team.
Prepare accurate financial information for statistical returns, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and internal/external queries, ensuring strict adherence to council standing orders and legislation.

What We Are Looking For

Qualifications:

Fully qualified AAT, part-qualified CCAB, or equivalent practical experience within a large, complex finance environment.
Strong background in customer-focused management accounting, cost centre management, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
Proven ability to translate complex financial data for non-finance stakeholders, navigate political drivers, and build positive cross-organisational relationships.
Initiative and sound judgment to analyse financial risks, solve problems, and know when to escalate issues to minimise organisational risk.
A dedication to supporting diverse communities and delivering on the Council's vision.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy