Financial Accountant

Directorate of Resources

Financial Accountant Capital

Full time 37 hours Permanent

RG7 - 8, £42,708 - £54,971

We are looking to attract an ambitious qualified accountant, or someone in the last year of their studies who wants to develop further their technical accounting skills in a vibrant team. We are able to offer a flexible working pattern where you can work remotely for most of the time, with occasional attendance in central Reading of around 2 days a month subject to the needs of the Service.

As a Financial Accountant, your primary responsibility will be to manage capital accounting and the fixed assets register alongside supporting the production of the annual statement of accounts. You will be working with finance colleagues to ensure the Council can deliver accurate and timely financial information and ensure a robust general ledger control environment is maintained.

Reading Borough Council is in a period of exciting change. Despite the challenges facing local authorities, Reading is focused on improving the quality of life for residents, including investing in new leisure facilities, reducing our carbon footprint, improving customer service, and putting in place more self-enabling support within Social Care. The Council is managing significant Levelling-Up grant funded projects to revitalise Reading’s cultural offer by transforming the much-loved Hexagon Theatre and providing a modern new Central Library.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

This role is one of three financial accountants that supports the Deputy Chief Accountant in preparing the annual statement of accounts and liaising with external auditors. We are looking for a candidate to become a subject matter expert in capital accounting and be able to support the wider responsibilities of the team with General Ledger Controls and Technical Accounting Code Compliance.

Other duties & responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the delivery of the annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with the CIPFA Accounting Code and the statutory timetable;

• Support the application of financial controls and procedures;

• Liaise with the external auditor, finance colleagues and other Council stakeholders;

• Prepare financial reconciliations, ensuring evidenced working papers are available to support accounting entries;

• Undertaking detailed financial analysis and investigation;

• Advise on the application of technical accounting policies and codes of practice.

About you

We are looking for someone who wants to grow their professional accounting career in a supportive and welcoming environment. The following skills and experience are required for this role:

• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent or working towards full qualification in the next year;
• Experience of working in the public sector, ideally within the local government sector in a finance environment
• Able to work independently and use own initiative;
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail whilst still being able to see the big picture;
• Excellent Excel and information systems skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Experience of working with key stakeholders such as external auditors, actuaries, asset valuers and senior managers is essential.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Mark Sanders, Chief Accountant (mark.sanders@reading.gov.uk)

To Apply, please use this link:

Penna | Job board | Financial Accountant (Capital)

Closing Date: Sunday 17th August

Interview Date: Tuesday 26th August

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.