Financial Accountant

Job title: Financial Accountant

Grade/Salary: Band I, SCP 44-47 (£55,609 to £59,025 per annum)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full time

Working pattern: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Location: Sandwell Council House, Freeth St Oldbury B69 3DE

Closing date: 20/09/2026

Sandwell Council’s Finance Division is seeking a detailed and experienced Financial Accountant to join its Financial Reporting and Regulatory team on a full-time, permanent basis, based at its Oldbury office. The organisation currently operates a hybrid working model with two days in the office and two days working from home.

The Financial Accountant will work alongside the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant to ensure the effective financial management of the functions under the remit of the post and to provide financial advice and challenge to support the delivery of services and the achievement of Corporate Plan objectives.

Under the guidance of the Strategic Financial Reporting Accountant, the role will be responsible for the technical financial aspects of the area it supports, which will include, for example, the production of statutory accounts (including compliance with accounting standards), the production of corporate statutory financial returns, taxation, and ensuring the capital asset register is maintained.

The postholder will play a key role in supporting the Council’s change and transformation activities by providing strategic financial advice and guidance, and by offering innovative and creative solutions.

• Lead on year-end processes (revenue and/or capital) for the corporate closure of accounts and production of the Statutory Statement of Accounts including core financial statements and associated notes in line with CIPFA requirements.
• Possess a detailed understanding of relevant legislation and underlying concepts and principles of Local Government Finance in particular the technical areas of the statement of accounts (revenue and/or capital).
• Lead on the external audit process for the Statement of Accounts.
• Take ownership of management responsibilities within the service area and deliver the objectives and priorities of the Council, through engagement, consultation and negotiation with all stakeholders, utilising highly developed skills of persuasion.
• To devise and implement creative and innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges. Develop and produce policies and strategies relating to the service area and ensure that decisions are evidenced and supported by sound technical principles.
• Produce and present accurate detailed and complex reports, articles and briefings both verbally and in writing on matters relating to the service area.
• This will often involve delivering potentially contentious communications to a wide range of audiences.
• Such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post to assist the Thematic Area in the fulfilment of its objectives commensurate with the post holder's salary grade, abilities and aptitudes.

• A fully Qualified member of the UK's recognised Chartered Accountancy body (i.e. CCAB, ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS, CIMA, or CIPFA).
• Demonstratable experience in a finance role, preferably in a Local Government setting:

• Experience of year end processes including production of statutory accounts.
• Experience of managing and developing individuals and teams to deliver the outcomes of the Directorate Business Plan and Corporate Plan.
• Experience of effective financial management and delivering financial advice at a strategic level across services.
• Experience of building effective partnerships, negotiating and consulting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work well with others at all levels within the organisation.
• Ability to motivate and influence others at all levels through positive relationships.
• Ability to work flexibly across areas of diversity.

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