Lead Accountant (Education Finance)

• This vacancy is only available for applications from existing Internal Plymouth City Council employees and Agency Workers who are in an active placement and have 12 weeks continuous service. Applications submitted by External candidates who do not meet this criteria will not be considered and will be rejected.

Lead Accountant (Education Finance Team)

Grade H | Full Time | Permanent

Are you ready to take the next step in your finance career?

We're looking for a talented and ambitious accountant to join the Education Finance team as a Lead Accountant. This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your experience, influence key decisions, and play a vital role in supporting the Council's financial sustainability and delivery of its priorities.

As a Lead Accountant, no two days are the same. Depending on the team, you could find yourself supporting major regeneration projects, developing financial strategies, contributing to company accounts and statutory reporting or working alongside services to help deliver better outcomes for residents.

What you'll be doing

• Providing high-quality financial advice and challenge to managers and senior stakeholders.
• Producing insightful financial analysis, forecasts and reports to support decision-making.
• Contributing to financial planning, budget management and statutory reporting.
• Identifying risks, opportunities and innovative solutions to financial challenges.
• Supporting and developing colleagues, helping to build capability across the wider finance team.
• Driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes and ways of working.

What we're looking for

You'll be someone who enjoys solving problems, building strong relationships and making a difference through finance. You'll have:

• Part CCAB qualification (or equivalent), or be fully qualified AAT with relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support to stakeholders.
• The ability to work collaboratively, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• A commitment to continuous professional and personal development.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to develop their technical expertise, gain exposure to a wide range of financial disciplines and take on a role with real influence across the organisation. Join us and help shape the future of finance at Plymouth City Council.

For an informal discussion, please contact: Helen Slater on Helen.slater@plymouth.gov.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 30 September

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation.

As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.

Please note, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK

Plymouth City Council is proud to be an Age Friendly Employer. We encourage applications from talented people at every stage of their career