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We are looking to recruit a talented and motivated Group Accountant to join our Children, Families and Education Finance Team.

Your new role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting some of the council's most important services, helping to shape financial strategy, drive improvement, and ensure resources deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

Based within the Finance and Resources Directorate, you will play a pivotal role in the annual budget-setting process for schools, colleges and early years providers. You will ensure funding is allocated effectively and in line with national regulations. Working closely with senior leaders, schools and other stakeholders, you will monitor and report on financial performance, provide expert advice, and support informed decision-making.

Key responsibilities include leading the annual Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget-setting process and school funding arrangements, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, national guidance and council financial regulations. The postholder will monitor and report on funding performance, identify financial risks and opportunities, and deliver statutory financial returns and statements. They will provide high-quality financial analysis, advice and support for key projects, working groups and government reform programmes, while supporting the Schools Forum through insightful financial reporting and recommendations. The role also involves delivering guidance and strategic financial support to maintained schools to promote long-term financial sustainability, supporting the implementation of Department for Education funding reforms and policy changes, and building strong relationships with schools, education providers and external partners.

Who is the person summary:

A CCAB qualified accountant with evidence of professional development, you will have experience of building productive relationships and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. With strong leadership and people management skills you will be able to provide strategic financial advice to senor officers and management teams/working groups on finance related issues. You will have a high standard of spreadsheet skills and proven experience of developing and maintaining complex financial models. You will have substantial experience of budget preparation, monitoring, monthly accounts, reconciliations and year-end statutory reporting activity. You will have a sound knowledge of Local Government finance and wider financial and regulatory environment, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to prioritise work to meet key deadlines. Resilient, adaptable and able to perform effectively during demanding periods, you will have a willingness to learn and a proactive approach to learning and personal development.

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile attached below.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.

We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.

This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.

More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website:https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/

Additional Information

Please ensure that you read the job profile for full details on the post.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

Interview process will take place: w/c 24 August 2026.

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page:Support for applicants - Careers portal

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person'points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had.If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found atEquality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage:Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contactrecruit@portsmouthcc.gov.ukor call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.