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Job Description

London Borough of Harrow is seeking an innovative and technically skilled Systems Accountant to play a leading role in the development, management and continuous improvement of the Council’s financial systems. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, reliability and integrity of financial data, while helping to enhance the systems, processes and tools that support effective financial management across the organisation.

This is a key role within the Finance Division, combining technical systems expertise with professional financial knowledge. You will act as the bridge between Finance, IT and operational services, ensuring that financial systems are configured, maintained and developed to meet both statutory requirements and evolving business needs. The role offers a unique opportunity to influence how technology supports financial decision-making, reporting and governance throughout the Council. You will lead on financial system improvements, reporting development, system upgrades, integrations and data management activities, while identifying opportunities to introduce automation, streamline processes and improve the user experience. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you will help ensure that financial systems support accurate reporting, strong financial control and high-quality decision-making.

As part of the Council’s wider transformation agenda, you will play a significant role in driving innovation within the finance function, exploring emerging technologies and best practices to improve efficiency, strengthen financial management and enable smarter ways of working.

Why join Harrow?

At Harrow, we are proud to be a diverse, ambitious and resident-focused council. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where our people can thrive, develop their careers and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve. In return, you will have the opportunity to work alongside talented professionals, contribute to important corporate priorities, support our climate ambitions and help shape the future of local government finance. If you are looking for a rewarding role where your expertise will be valued and your contribution recognised, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking a qualified accountant with strong financial management and systems expertise, ideally gained within local government or a similarly complex organisation. You will have experience managing financial systems, reporting, system improvements and user support, with the ability to translate business needs into practical solutions. A strong analytical mindset, excellent stakeholder management skills and a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and customer service are essential.

Key Requirements

• CCAB-qualified accountant with commitment to ongoing CPD.
• Strong knowledge of local government finance, IFRS, SeRCOP and the Prudential Code.
• Experience in finance systems, systems accounting or financial management roles.
• Expertise in financial systems administration, configuration, reporting and data management.
• Experience supporting system upgrades, implementations and enhancements.
• Knowledge of financial controls, governance, audit and risk management.
• Experience conducting UAT, system testing and validation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and Excel skills.
• Ability to identify automation and process improvement opportunities.
• Good project management and organisational skills.
• Experience producing user guidance, training materials and delivering training.
• Strong stakeholder management skills across Finance, IT and service areas.
• Ability to influence decisions, provide challenge and recommend solutions.
• Proactive, accountable and results-focused approach.
• Experience supporting and developing colleagues.
• Commitment to customer service, innovation and continuous improvement.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn