Senior Accountant (Capital)

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

Join our Capital Finance Team and help shape over £300 million of investment across North Somerset.

We’re looking for a highly skilled and motivated Senior Accountant (Capital) to play a leading role in managing and developing our ambitious capital programme.

In this high‑impact role, you’ll provide expert financial insight, partner with services across the Council, and ensure our capital activities are delivered with accuracy, pace and professionalism. Your strong analytical skills, technical knowledge, attention to detail and confidence working with stakeholders at all levels will help drive excellent financial management across the organisation.

As a key member of our six‑person Capital Finance Team, you will:

• Support the development of the Council’s long‑term capital and asset‑based plans, ensuring alignment with Council priorities.
• Produce accurate, clear, timely monthly capital monitoring reports for project managers, budget holders, Directors and governance boards.
• Support year‑end capital activities, including asset register updates, funding reconciliations and preparation of statutory account notes.
• Work collaboratively with senior officers and neighbouring authorities on major projects such as MetroWest Rail, Birnbeck Pier, and support S106, CIL and VAT return responsibilities.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a varied, high‑profile role while making a real difference to our community.

In this role, you will.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high‑quality strategic financial advice to support the Council’s capital programme, working closely with the Finance Business Partner (Capital) and Section 151 Officer.
• You will help shape and maintain the Council’s multi‑year capital and asset plans, ensuring they align with our Corporate Plan, and contribute to the preparation of annual strategy reports for Cabinet and Council.
• You will support the production of monthly capital monitoring reports, providing clear, timely updates to project managers, budget holders, senior leaders and key governance boards. This includes oversight of capital expenditure, resources, internal recharges, and both existing schemes and new proposals.
• You will play a key role in year‑end processes, including closing the capital accounts, updating the asset register, and preparing supporting notes for the statutory accounts, and work directly with External Audit throughout the audit process.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office.
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

About You

We're looking for a proactive, customer‑focused finance professional who thrives in a dynamic environment. You’ll be confident managing multiple priorities, continuously seeking smarter ways of working, and delivering high‑quality support to stakeholders across the Council.

In this role, you’ll work closely with the Finance Business Partner (Capital) on complex accounting and budgeting matters, acting as a trusted point of contact for technical finance queries. You’ll bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.

Essential Criteria:

• Fully qualified member if an accountancy body under s113 of the LGFA 1988 (includes CIMA).
• Significant post qualification experience in a public sector financial environment, demonstrating a thorough understanding/technical competence in complex activities.
• Completion and submission of external funding bids and grant claims.
• Knowledge and understanding of capital transactions at year-end, and preparation of notes for inclusion within the Statement of Accounts.
• Demonstrate ability to develop collaborative relationships with key stakeholders.
• Previous experience of managing staff and the ability to set and meet deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Other higher-level qualification covering management or finance.
• Preparation of capital related policies, procedures and strategy reports.
• Knowledge and experience of preparation of other components within the Statement of Accounts.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Lisa Smith, Finance Business Partner Capital, at lisa.smith@n-somerset.gov.uk or Phone Number 07392 137999.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: W/C 20th April.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.