Assistant Finance Accountant

• Location: Local Authority Southend
• Job Type: Full-time Temporary  6 Months minimum
• Salary: Circa £28,000 - £30,000 PA

Reed Accountancy and Finance are excited to offer an opportunity for an experienced Accountant who is passionate about driving strategic financial decisions and supporting corporate objectives. This role is ideal for someone who is eager to develop, manage, and provide strategic and operational finance and accountancy support, ensuring the efficient delivery of services within a local authority setting.

• Manage financial accountancy services and oversee operational budgets, providing assistance with budget monitoring and year-end activities.
• Work with departments to understand spend and commitments, including forecasting spend/savings for the remainder of the year.
• Identify sundry debtors and creditors for year-end, as well as reserve movement requirements.
• Prepare and action financial journals and provide financial information to departments.
• Carry out financial reconciliations and support the payments and income team with clearing orders and ensuring prompt payment.
• Ensure the integrity of financial information and compliance with audit requirements.
• Lead operational budget streams, budget forecasting, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Provide business administration and finance support across all service areas.

• Proven experience as an Accountant, with a track record of making strategic financial decisions.
• Experience within a local government or similar public sector organisation is desired but not essential.
• Adaptability to changing financial landscapes and organisational needs.
• Proficiency in financial reporting, analysis, and decision-making skills.
• Financial acumen, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• A natural problem-solver with the ability to make critical recommendations quickly, while embedding financial principles and controls within a highly visible role.

• Competitive salary
• Hybrid working options
• Opportunity to make a significant impact within a local authority.
• Dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Chance to develop and manage key financial strategies and support corporate objectives.