Group Accountant

At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.

About the Team

We are looking to permanently recruit a credible, experienced Group Accountant to provide financial advice and management account support to the organisation’s Budget Managers and Directors.

You will be a ‘people person’, a strong communicator who can easily build an effective working relationship with Budget Managers, Heads of Service and Directors. Plain talking, you will enable them to analyse their spending and forecasts to support them to deliver their Capital Project outcomes whilst working within their allocated budget.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a Group Accountant to provide a high level of quality financial management in relation to the following functional areas:

• Capital Budget monitoring and assurance
• Supporting the development of business cases and approvals for new initiatives
• Financial advice and support to Budget Managers
• Driving improvements in the way we provide financial support to Project Managers
• Produce final accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards including the production of disclosure notes and supplementary financial analysis
• Prepare and monitor all relevant grant applications, claims and returns in consultation with relevant services and Government departments ensuring full compliance with all statutory and other requirements and respond to queries on behalf of the Service
• Financial controls and governance

About You

You should have a full professional accountancy qualification with a minimum of five years’ experience.

This role offers the opportunity of line management and development of a Career Grade Accountant, and as such you will possess the skills needed to fulfil this part of your role.

You will have advanced Excel skills and have experience of financial models. You will also have excellent communication skills to explain technical accounting concepts. Whilst you enjoy working in a team, you will also be comfortable working on your own to meet tight deadlines.

If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Giles Oliver, Finance Manager, giles_oliver@bathnes.gov.uk or call (01225) 477022.

Interview date: 07/12/2026

No Agencies Please.

Please note: that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.

About Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.

Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?

We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits

At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion athttps://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity

We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW

The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.