The challenge for Hackney is to make sure that the borough's economic growth provides benefits for everyone who lives here, whilst also creating opportunities that will transform the lives of local people. We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our corporate values to help us achieve the best for the people  of Hackney. In the face of unprecedented budgetary demands we need financial leaders of the future to help us tackle our challenges head on so that we can continue to provide the services our residents rely on.

Hackney Council is looking for an accountant to manage the finances of services in the Finance and Resources Directorate. You will be a vital member for managing both capital and revenue budgets held by the service area and you will play a key role in providing support, ideas and robust challenging to  service’s finances and development, and work with the Assistant Director of Finance to set robust controls, all at a time of real economic challenge in the public sector.

As Group Accountant, you will be responsible for driving the annual budget cycle and providing high quality financial advice at all levels of operational decision making. To work effectively, you will need to build strong working relationships across the authority and with some external stakeholders.

To flourish in this role, you will need to build relationships and understand the business needs with broader financial objectives. You will also manage a team of up to three accountants, supporting you in getting the job done. You need to be part CCAB qualified or have extensive accounting experience with a solid understanding of local government finance.

For further details on the role, please refer to the job description and person specification.

The recruitment process is anonymous. Therefore, we do not accept supporting
statements or CVs.

When applying, there will be a number of questions relating to the post on the application form. It is essential that you complete the application questions, responding to each using examples of your skills, knowledge and experience.

We will not accept applications where Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to assist with completing the competency questions or any part of the application form.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 8 December 2024 (22:59 pm)
Interview date: week commencing 16 December 2024

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are:

Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and maternity, age and marital status. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk.