Divisional Accountant - Public Health - AR

Divisional Accountant - Public Health Southwark Council Job Purpose

Southwark Council is seeking a Divisional Accountant to provide financial and management accounting support to its Public Health Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for budget monitoring, financial forecasting, management reporting and year-end accounts, while providing financial advice to budget holders and senior managers to support effective financial decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with budget holders to understand financial developments across Public Health services.
• Prepare accurate monthly financial forecasts, monitor expenditure and identify potential budget variances.
• Produce high quality monthly management accounts and financial reports for managers and senior stakeholders.
• Provide budgetary advice and support financial planning and decision making.
• Support the year end closure of accounts, including liaising with external auditors.
• Lead on financial aspects of key statistical and grant returns, ensuring information is accurate and submitted appropriately.
• Provide financial advice and support for key projects across the division.
• Maintain effective financial governance and ensure compliance with local authority accounting procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and reporting systems.
• Where required, supervise staff, monitor performance and support staff development.

Essential Requirements

• CCAB-qualified accountant or part-qualified accountant with relevant continuing professional development (CPD).
• Previous experience working in an accounting or finance role.
• Detailed knowledge of local government finance, local authority accounting and financial administration.
• Experience in financial governance, financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify variances.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using computerised financial management systems; SAP experience is desirable.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non finance professionals.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with budget holders, senior managers and other stakeholders.
• Ability to improve processes and identify opportunities to automate financial activities.

Additional Requirements

• Understanding of equality, diversity and equal opportunities within a local authority environment.
• Awareness of performance management and continuous service improvement.
• Ability to support efficient, effective and economical service delivery.
• Where staff are supervised, experience supporting performance management, induction, work planning and training.

Reporting Line

The post holder will report to the Senior Finance Manager and provide accountancy support to Southwark Council's Public Health services.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced management accountant with strong budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting skills, ideally gained within a local authority or public sector environment. They will be confident advising budget holders, analysing financial performance and supporting senior managers with financial decisions.