Senior Accountant

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Accountant to join a busy finance team within a West London local authority. This interim position offers a hybrid working pattern and the chance to influence budgeting, reporting and financial controls.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and manage revenue and capital budgets for allocated service areas.
• Carry out budget monitoring and produce accurate financial forecasts.
• Support the year‑end close‑down process and the production of final accounts.
• Identify savings opportunities and deliver financial analysis and recommendations.
• Provide financial advice to budget holders and senior managers.
• Prepare financial reports, business cases and management information.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards and council policies.
• Analyse financial data to identify trends for decision‑making.
• Support continuous improvement of financial processes and controls.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver high‑quality financial services.

Required profile

• Recent experience in local authority finance.
• Proven ability to prepare budgets, monitor expenditure and close accounts.
• Experience identifying and reviewing savings opportunities.
• Knowledge of local government finance regulations and accounting practices.
• Strong Excel and financial analysis capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills for explaining financial information to non‑finance stakeholders.

Required skills

• Excel
• IBC Financial System

What we offer

• 6‑month fixed‑term contract (umbrella rate).
• Hybrid working – 1 to 2 days per week in the office.
• Competitive rate of £37 per hour.