Job Description

:Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.IntroductionLewisham is home to over 300,000 residents across approximately 130,000 households. Our community is vibrant and diverse, comprising 48.3% from ethnic minority backgrounds. With a youthful demographic, 70% of our population is of working age, and 23.5% are aged 0-19.We are committed to creating safer neighbourhoods, providing good schools, supporting thriving businesses, and fostering active community groups. Our services are designed for the convenience of those who use them, ensuring that everyone who lives, studies, and works in the borough feels empowered to contribute and have their say about the things they care about.Good stewardship of our finances plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Council continues to deliver excellent services to all of its residents and businesses. The Finance function forms part of Corporate Resources and has four key service areas:

• Strategic Finance, Planning and Commercial.
• Pensions and Payroll.
• Service Finance.
• Core Accounting.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Lewisham Council's Core Accounting Team as the Financial Accountant, reporting to the Council's Chief Accountant.What's the role?The primary responsibilities of the Financial Accountant role are:

• To be responsible for ensuring that the integrity of the Council's core accounting systems and records are maintained throughout the year, to support the production and reporting of accurate financial and management accounting information in line with statutory timeframes.
• To be responsible for designing and implementing a closure plan to ensure the delivery of the Council's grouped statement of accounts in accordance with the statutory deadlines and without adverse audit opinion.
• To be responsible for ensuring that the Council's chart of accounts is implemented in accordance with best practice and in support of the financial and management information reporting requirements of the Council and other statutory returns.

What's in it for you?Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible hybrid working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we're looking for:We are looking for someone who has the following key skills and experience:

• Evidence of a strong intellectual grasp of local government policy and finance especially in relation to closing of accounts and audit.
• Expert knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice.
• CCAB Qualified Accountant with substantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation.
• Ability to develop and deliver presentation materials clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
• Significant experience in range of finance roles including accounting roles.

LocationThe job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.Special conditions

• To be suitable for the role you need to be a qualified accountant.
• CCAB Qualified Accountant with substantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation.
• Expert knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice.
• Closing Date for applications is midnight on Sunday 9th March 2025.
• Shortlisting will be carried out in the week commencing Monday 10th March 2025.
• Interviews will be carried out in the weeks commencing Monday 17th - Monday 24th March 2025.

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don't accept CV's.- please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.For an informal discussion about this job, please contact (Terence Madgett (Chief Accountant) )It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the Person Specification criteria listed (especially those that will be used for Shortlisting purposes).Please click to view the and Person SpecificationSalaryxc2xa361,836 - xc2xa364,032 per annum (P08)N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.DiversityLewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available atThe Council has a dedicated employment support service, , which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email and an advisor will be in touch with you.The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.Let's stay connected, follow us on social media

Lewisham Council