Finance Officer

Finance Officer

London Local Authority

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Finance Officer to join the finance team of a London local authority. The successful candidate will provide high-quality financial and accountancy support across the wider finance function, working closely with budget holders, managers and senior colleagues to support effective financial management, reporting and decision-making.

The successful candidate must have previous experience working within a local authority environment and have a strong understanding of local government finance processes and requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, monitoring and review of revenue and capital budgets.

• Assist with financial forecasting, modelling and the preparation of management information.

• Work closely with budget holders to review financial performance, investigate variances and provide financial advice and guidance.

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly financial reports and supporting commentary.

• Assist with year-end accounting processes, including accruals, journals, reconciliations, working papers and audit requirements.

• Monitor balance sheet accounts and investigate significant movements, discrepancies and unusual transactions.

• Analyse expenditure, income and unit costs to provide meaningful financial insight to stakeholders.

• Extract, analyse and manipulate financial data to support reporting and decision-making.

• Assist with the preparation of financial reports for senior management and other internal stakeholders.

• Complete statutory, regulatory and other financial returns within required deadlines.

• Support the preparation and submission of grant claims and associated financial information.

• Maintain accurate financial records, working papers and process documentation.

• Respond to financial queries from budget holders and assist with resolving issues efficiently.

• Provide financial guidance and support to non-finance colleagues where required.

• Contribute to process improvements, financial projects and wider transformation initiatives.

• Ensure financial procedures, internal controls and information security requirements are followed.

• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and organisational information.

• Undertake any other duties reasonably required within the scope of the role.

Person Requirements

Essential:

• Previous experience working in a UK local authority finance environment.

• Good understanding of local government finance, budgeting and financial reporting processes.

• Experience of revenue and/or capital budget monitoring.

• Experience of forecasting, financial analysis and investigating budget variances.

• Experience preparing monthly management reports and financial commentary.

• Experience of year-end accounting processes, including journals, accruals, reconciliations and audit requirements.

• Experience working with budget holders and providing financial advice to non-finance colleagues.

• Strong Excel skills and experience using financial/accounting systems.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently when required.

• Ability to analyse financial information and clearly communicate findings to a range of stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience within a London local authority.

• Knowledge of local government statutory accounting and financial regulations.

• Experience of grant claims and public sector funding.

• Experience supporting financial transformation, process improvement or wider finance projects.

• Relevant accountancy qualification or part-qualified status.

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join the finance function of a London local authority and play an important role in supporting effective financial management and the delivery of services to local communities.

The successful candidate will work with finance colleagues, budget holders and senior stakeholders across the organisation, providing financial insight and support within a complex local government environment.

Please note: Previous experience working within a local authority is an essential requirement for this position. Candidates without local authority finance experience will not be considered.