Bradford Council - Financial Accountant - Childrens Services

Overall, Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Financial Accountant, play a key role in preparing BCFT's 2023-24 year-end accounts together with accounting changes in 2023-24. You will provide expert advice on a range of financial and accounting issues, ensuring BCFT complies with International Accounting Standards and will be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements. This role involves maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, analysing financial data, and providing recommendations to improve financial processes.

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of accounting principles, practices and regulations within a medium sized public company, (ideally a Childrens Trust) with excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Experience of local government accounting will also be desirable as the company is 100% owned by Bradford council and financial records and statements will also need to be provided to the council as part of their year-end processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the lead Financial Accountant on year-end accounts production;
• Liaise with auditors to answer queries on year-end audit;
• Liaise with a range of stakeholders to obtain evidence and assurance for key accounting adjustments;
• Assist with month-end management accounts processes and adjustments;
• General Ledger Management: Maintain and reconcile the general ledger (including the Contract and SLA's), ensuring all transactions are properly recorded and classified.
• Accounts Payable and Receivable: Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including vendor payments, customer invoicing, and credit control.
• Bank Reconciliations: Conduct regular bank reconciliations to ensure accurate cash balances, including the Trusts cashflow and forecasts, and identify discrepancies for resolution.
• Month-end and Year-end Closing: Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes, including accruals, prepayments, and fixed asset reconciliations.
• Financial Analysis: Analyse financial data and performance indicators to provide insights and recommendations to management for better decision-making.

Person specification

Key Skills:

Part Qualified Accountant with Government/Public Sector experience or has implemented changes to accounting standards;

Experience creating financial models and analysing financial data (in Excel or other financial reporting products);

Ability to work to the tight deadlines of a year-end accounts production;

Excellent communicator with the skills to liaise with a range of stakeholders both finance and non-finance.

If you are interested in this role please send your updated CV in the first instance.