Financial Planning Accontant

Job Title: Financial Planning Accountant

Contract Lenght: (6-Month Contract)

Location: Somerset (Hybrid/Remote)

Salary: £500/day

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Somerset for a skilled Financial Planning Accountant to join a local authority. This pivotal role will contribute to the development and management of financial strategies, ensuring effective planning and allocation of resources. As a Financial Planning Accountant, you will be responsible for shaping the Medium Term Financial Plan, crafting detailed service cost and funding models, and overseeing the production of the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Council's Medium Term Financial Plan, incorporating robust cost and funding projections.
• Model future service costs and funding requirements, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and regulatory guidelines.
• Lead the production of the Revenue Budget and Capital Programme, collaborating with department heads and stakeholders to allocate resources effectively.
• Prepare monthly Budget Monitoring Reports for Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Cabinet, providing insightful analysis and highlighting areas of concern or opportunity.
• Deliver quarterly reports to Scrutiny Committees, offering transparent and comprehensive updates on financial performance and budgetary compliance.
• Provide expert financial advice and support to colleagues across the organisation, fostering a culture of financial awareness and accountability.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes and industry best practices, proactively identifying opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with demonstrable experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Proven track record of developing Medium Term Financial Plans and managing complex financial models.
• Experience working within a local government or public sector environment is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with the confidence to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel is essential.
• Previous Senior local authority experience

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented Financial Planning Accountant to make a significant impact within Somerset/. If you possess the requisite skills and experience, we encourage you to apply and become part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving financial excellence and innovation.