Accountant

Posting date:	30 July 2025
Salary:	£25.0 per hour
Additional salary information:	£25.00
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	29 August 2025
Location:	Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5AH
Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	4712065_1753880521

Summary

Your new company and new role
This role sits within our Finance pillar in the newly created Corporate & Support Services Directorate. Reporting to one of the Accounting Managers within the team, you will play a key role in supporting the accounting managers in maintaining effective financial management, compliance and team development within the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
You will be responsible for contributing to accurate and timely financial management, reporting and compliance within the Council. Your role will entail maintaining financial records, preparing financial statements, management accounts and analysing financial data to support decision-making processes. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in budgeting, forecasting, treasury management and managing financial risks. As an accountant within the team, you will contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, while providing guidance to key stakeholders on financial matters.

Your role will be wide-ranging and varied and will involve management in one of the following key areas depending on your experience:

*Financial Accountant
*Management Accountant
*Capital Accountant
*Treasury Accountant

You will also have the opportunity to rotate between the different areas, gaining valuable experience and a broad understanding of various accounting functions across the Council. This will allow you to develop a well-rounded skill set and contribute to diverse projects within the finance team.

Main Duties

1. Financial Management: Preparing accurate and timely financial reports for the accounting managers, including budgetary analysis, monthly and quarterly management accounts, balance sheets, income and expenditure statements and cash flow statements in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. This includes over-seeing and reviewing the completion of reconciliations and month-end journals.
2. Budget Oversight: Assist in the development and monitoring of annual budgets, ensuring alignment with the Council's Financial Strategy and business partnering with all areas of the business. Provide support in budget variance analysis and forecasting to help support decision-making processes and long-term planning.
3. Capital accounting: Oversee capital expenditure processes, including asset acquisition, depreciation, and disposal. Maintain accurate records of fixed assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
4. Treasury Management: Manage cash flow, liquidity, and investments to optimise returns while minimising risks, including regular cash flow forecasting. Monitor banking activities, review cash reconciliations, and execute fund transfers as necessary.
5. Accounts Receivable and Payable: Oversee accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing, payment processing, and reconciliations. Monitor ageing reports and follow up on outstanding balances.
6 Grant Management: Ensure all income, including grants, is properly invoiced, recorded, and reconciled. Work closely with grant managers to monitor grant expenditures, compliance requirements, and reporting deadlines, contributing to the overall success of grant management activities.
7. Compliance and Audit: Ensure adherence to relevant financial regulations, accounting standards and internal controls. Coordinate and participate in internal and external audits, responding to enquiries and implementing audit recommendations. Preparation of statutory compliance, including VAT returns and partial exemption calculations.
8. Financial Analysis: Conduct comprehensive financial analysis to support decision-making processes, identify trends, and assess financial performance. Provide insightful recommendations to improve financial efficiency and effectiveness.
9. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with various stakeholders, including directors, heads of service and budget holders, and external partners, to provide financial guidance, support strategic initiatives, and address financial concerns.
10. Policy Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and controls to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial sustainability.
11. Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains within the finance department. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to optimise financial operations.
12. Staff Development: Mentor and develop junior staff members within the finance team. Provide guidance on technical skills, professional development, and career advancement opportunities. Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth
13. Achieve high standards of personal performance, through meeting agreed personal targets and undertaking planned programmes of professional development.
14 Comply with all the Council's policies and procedures.
15 Ensure correspondence, systems and records are always maintained with confidentiality and discretion and follow GDPR.
16 Other: Undertake any other duties which may be required in line with the level of the post as required

What you'll need to succeed

Applicants must hold a recognised accountancy qualification (CCAB or equivalent) and be a full member of one of the professional accountancy bodies (CCAB or equivalent).
Applicants must demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that you have 2 years' experience in financial management, accounting or auditing with specialised expertise in capital accounting, treasury management, management accounting or financial accounting.

What you'll get in return
3-month contract, get your foot in the door to then put yourself forward for the external perm post, 37-hour working week, hybrid and flexible working options available.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

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