Group Accountant – Collection Fund

About the role

This 12‑month fixed‑term position leads the Collection Fund accounting function for Bristol City Council. You will be responsible for business rates and council tax accounting, statutory returns and year‑end reporting, providing specialist advice to senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Council's Collection Fund accounting, including business rates and council tax.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns such as NNDR1 and NNDR3.
• Produce forecasts, surplus/deficit calculations and financial analysis for medium‑term planning.
• Provide technical advice on Collection Fund legislation and accounting requirements.
• Coordinate audit responses and support external audit processes.
• Collaborate with Finance, Revenues & Benefits and external partners.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience of Collection Fund accounting within a local authority.
• Knowledge of business rates retention and council tax accounting.
• Experience preparing statutory returns and supporting audit requirements.
• Ability to deliver technical accounting advice to senior stakeholders.

Required skills

• Collection Fund accounting
• Statutory returns preparation (NNDR1, NNDR3)
• Financial forecasting and analysis
• Audit support and query handling

What we offer

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working options.
• Opportunity to develop specialist technical expertise in a large authority.