Accountant - Housing Services
Location: East Devon
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £41,418 - £48,474
Start date: ASAP
- Hybrid Working*
Contact:
Job Description
Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in South Devon for a dedicated Accountant (Housing Services) to join the team on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with the Housing Revenue Account accountancy regime, Local Authority Financial Regulations, and Contract Standing Orders. Working closely with the Housing Management Team, you will contribute to delivering efficient, value-for-money services to tenants while maintaining the Council's financial records in line with legislative and professional standards.
Main responsibilities
- Prepare and monitor Council budgets, providing monthly reports to management and key stakeholders, and attending meetings to explain the financial position. This ensures financial transparency and accountability.
- Offer financial advice and produce reports for various officers and Council Committees. This is critical for informed decision-making and maintaining compliance with financial regulations.
- Ensure compliance with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) regulations, Financial Regulations, and Contract Standing Orders. This is essential to maintain the integrity of the Council's financial operations.
- Provide financial support for service reviews and special projects, including benchmarking and ensuring value for money. This helps drive efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
- Assist in the closure and production of the Authority's Final Accounts and ensure all necessary reconciliations are performed. This ensures accurate financial records and compliance with statutory requirements.
- Provide training and support to non-financial staff, ensuring they understand financial processes and implications. This promotes a cohesive working environment and better financial management across the Council.
Candidate Requirements
- A CCAB-recognised qualification (ideally CIPFA) or significant relevant finance expertise.
- Understanding of Local Authority finance, particularly the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and current issues in local government. This is crucial for effective financial management within the specific context of local government.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Competence with IT-based financial systems, spreadsheets, and familiarity with Microsoft products. This is important for managing financial data and producing reports.
- Capacity for innovation, strategic thinking, and the flexibility to provide solutions that balance competing priorities.
- High-level written and verbal communication skills, diplomacy, tact, and the ability to summarise complex information clearly.
If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Miraj at Service Care Solutions on or email
Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.