Job Description

As the Accountant, your main duties will include:

• Responsible for supporting Council Services in the monitoring and reporting of Capital projects, including the analysis and investigation of variances and, through discussions and meetings with Service Managers, the preparation of the quarterly Capital monitoring report detailing the progress of Capital projects inclusive of the outturn summary and other standing capital performance plans and reports. As appropriate, influence Service Managers to take any relevant corrective actions
• Responsible for the maintenance and reconciliation of designated Capital holding accounts
• To assist the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager with the preparation of the annual and 3 year Capital Programme. This will involve reviewing business cases and assisting non-finance managers to finalise their individual budgets with associated ongoing performance management
• To assist the Senior Accountant in preparing the year-end Statement of Accounts content. This will involve assisting in the closure of Capital cost centres, liaising with the Council's Property section and external valuation specialist, the review of additions to the Fixed Asset Register and supporting the production of Capital working papers to aid the Balance Sheet disclosures and associated Notes to the Statement of Accounts including Property, Plant and Equipment, Investment Properties, Intangible Assets, Revaluations and Leases
• Liaise with and support the Assistant Accountant in maintaining a complete and accurate Fixed Assets Register and accounting system ledger, verifying the accuracy of all accounting entries processed
• Partner with the Treasury Accountant to ensure that all relevant Capital-related financial data included within the Council's Budget modelling is accurate and consistent with the equivalent Treasury information
• Work closely with the Treasury Accountant to formulate accurate cashflow projections
• To prepare any other financial information as required by the Senior Accountant, Finance Manager or Service Managers. This will involve the ability to extract raw data from a variety of sources in order to produce meaningful management information using advanced spreadsheet techniques (primarily utilising Microsoft Excel)
• Significant involvement with the improvement of financial systems and controls, developing and implementing appropriate changes
• To be aware of Capital legislation and keep up-to-date with any technical developments
• Provide ad hoc advice and guidance on Capital accounting to service units and accountancy staff. This will involve resolving queries as well as reviewing and designing new systems and procedures to overcome problem areas
• Represent the Financial Reporting Team at all meetings attached to the job role
• To complete required financial returns (to Government departments) and statistical returns to various bodies
• To manage his/her own work to ensure that programmed timetables specified by the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager are met
• To liaise closely with the Senior Accountant who will determine the areas of work to be undertaken by the team. The Capital Accountant will then take full responsibility for service provision in these areas
• Deputise for the Senior Accountant in their absence
• Any other duties as set being commensurate with the job grading and in agreement with the Senior Accountant and Finance Manager
• Promote equality as an integral part of the role, treating everyone with fairness and dignity
• Comply with WBC health and safety policies, procedures and rules, taking reasonable care of self and others
• Adhere to the standards set out in the WBC competency framework

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Undertaking AAT Level 3 or above or already a qualified Accounting Technician or equivalent (evidence required), or qualified by experience 3 years of experience in an accounting environment, preferably within Local Government Understanding of the accounting principles relating to Capital/Fixed Assets