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Job Description

London Borough of Harrow is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Senior Technical Analyst (VAT, Grants and Transactions) to play a leading role in safeguarding the Council’s financial integrity and ensuring compliance with a complex regulatory environment. Working within the Finance Division and reporting to the Chief Accountant, you will provide specialist expertise across VAT, grant accounting, statutory returns and general ledger transactions, supporting the delivery of a robust and effective technical finance function.

This is a critical role with responsibility for the Council’s annual VAT claims of approximately £42 million and oversight of revenue income totalling £510 million. You will lead on complex VAT and taxation matters, grant governance, control account management and statutory reporting, ensuring that the Council meets its legal obligations while maximising financial opportunities and minimising risk. The role will involve interpreting complex accounting and taxation regulations, developing financial controls, improving processes and providing authoritative advice to stakeholders across the organisation. You will act as the Council’s lead technical specialist for VAT and grants, working closely with HMRC, external VAT advisors, auditors, senior finance colleagues and service managers to ensure compliance, strengthen governance and support informed decision-making.

You will also play a significant role in supporting the preparation of the Council’s Statement of Accounts, leading technical improvement projects, developing guidance and training, and helping to drive innovation, efficiency and continuous improvement across the finance function.

Why join Harrow?

At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a technically skilled finance professional with expertise in financial accounting, VAT, grant accounting and statutory reporting, ideally gained within local government or a complex public sector organisation. You will be confident interpreting legislation and accounting standards, providing expert advice, resolving complex issues and communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach, together with a commitment to governance, continuous improvement and excellent customer service, is essential.

Key Requirements

• AAT qualified, part-qualified CCAB (or equivalent experience) with a commitment to continuing professional development.
• Strong knowledge of local authority accounting, including IFRS, SeRCOP, VAT regulations, grant accounting and statutory reporting requirements.
• Experience managing VAT compliance, grant governance, Statements of Accounts and statutory returns such as RO, QRO and Whole of Government Accounts.
• Ability to interpret complex legislation and accounting standards, provide technical advice and resolve challenging financial issues.
• Knowledge of financial controls, reconciliations, general ledger management and financial governance requirements.
• Experience implementing process improvements, strengthening controls and enhancing financial systems and reporting.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills, with advanced Excel and financial systems experience.
• Experience producing technical guidance, procedures and training materials, and building effective relationships with auditors, HMRC and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and customer service skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn