Interim Service Accountant (ASC) - Local authority

Interim Service Accountant – Adult Social Care - Circa £350 inside London Borough Council | Hybrid working | Contract role A London Borough Council is seeking an experienced Interim Service Accountant to support its Adult Social Care finance service . This is a key finance role, working closely with Adult Social Care service heads, operational managers and senior stakeholders to provide clear financial advice, robust budget monitoring and accurate reporting across one of the council’s most complex and high-profile service areas.

The successful candidate will support budget setting, forecasting, financial modelling, closedown and statutory reporting, while helping the service understand cost pressures, demand trends, care package costs and savings opportunities. Key responsibilities will include:
Providing financial advice and business partnering support to Adult Social Care budget holders and senior managers. Leading on budget monitoring, forecasting and monthly financial reporting. Supporting annual budget setting and identifying key pressures, risks and opportunities. Producing financial modelling around demand, demographics, care package costs and medium-term financial planning. Supporting year-end closedown in line with local authority and CIPFA requirements.

Managing reconciliations, variance analysis and financial controls. Supporting grant monitoring and reporting, including government funding streams such as the Better Care Fund. Working with operational teams on savings proposals, efficiency plans and transformation activity. Preparing reports and financial information for senior leadership, governance boards and committees. The ideal candidate will have:
Strong local government finance experience. Direct Adult Social Care finance experience, or closely related social care / people directorate exposure. Good budget monitoring, forecasting, modelling and closedown experience. Strong business partnering skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders. A good understanding of local authority funding, statutory reporting and financial governance. Advanced Excel and financial systems capability.

CCAB / CIPFA / CIMA / ACCA qualification, final-stage study, or equivalent relevant experience. This role would suit a proactive local government finance professional who can provide financial grip, challenge and insight across a busy Adult Social Care service. The council is looking for someone who can quickly build relationships, understand service pressures and support effective decision-making.