Support Accountant

We are working closely alongside a Local Authority in East Suffolk to assist with the appointment of a Support Accountant, on a 3-month contract, highly likely to be extended at clients discretion. Please apply with your CV for immediate consideration., The Support Accountant is to provide financial management support, advice, and guidance to Finance Business Partners, Budget Holders, Heads of Service, and Corporate Managers for allocated service areas and projects within the Council. The role involves assisting with budget setting, budget monitoring, financial performance forecasting, and the annual closure of accounts while ensuring delivery to key statutory deadlines and promoting continuous service improvement.,

• Support Finance Business Partners with budget monitoring, financial performance forecasting, reporting (Revenue and Capital), and early detection of budget issues.
• Provide proactive financial management advice, support, and guidance to service areas, including income assumptions and annual reviews of fees and charges.
• Assist with year-end closure of outturn positions, preparation of working papers, and completion of government/statutory returns.
• Perform financial reconciliations within required timescales, maintain supporting documentation, and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure correct accounting treatment of received grants according to grant determinations.
• Update training guides, procedure notes, and deliver financial awareness training to non-financial managers, as well as support/train Apprentices and Assistant Accountants.
  
  AAT qualified accountant with post-qualification experience (gained in either the public or private sector).
Essentials:
• Significant and demonstrable finance experience working in a similar role.
• Proven track record in operational delivery of accounting services and supporting non-financial managers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting, as well as experience with accounting applications/financial systems.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and budgetary control.
• Strong collaborative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate financial matters clearly to non-financial audiences.