Project Accountant

We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Accountant to join our team on a fixed term contract for 12 months initially, with potential for further extension.

The Role:

• To lead on the design, development, and implementation of a budget review process across designated Council services/ activities adopting zero based budgeting principles.

• To use specialist expertise and experience to be able to advise and support Senior Management, Members, and service management on the budget review process, application, and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• To design, develop, and implement a budget review process that is based on zero based budget principles allowing for greater understanding of cost drivers, differential costs of statutory/ non-statutory activities, and key cost variables
• To lead an initial pilot across designated services and to manage and support the roll-out across all service areas, including supporting the central finance team to adopt the process
• To ensure an effective budget review process is embedded, adds value, and supports the Council through transformational change
• To review income generating activities and determine associated costs to inform polices on charging and income activity performance
• To work closely with services managers to engage and obtain their support and involvement
• Constructively challenge the status quo regarding existing budgets and assumptions
• To develop financial modelling and scenario testing to ensure decisions can be taken supported with sound financial information

Key skills, knowledge & experience:

• CCAB qualified
• Demonstrable evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Significant post-qualification experience
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Experience of leading budget review processes preferably based on ZBB principles/ ‘deep dive’ approach which have achieved demonstrable benefits and clear outcomes
• Demonstrate leadership and technical expertise to support change and implementation of best practice across the organisation
• Able to constructively challenge prevailing views and be creative and innovative in working with services
• Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with Senior Management, Service Managers, and Budget Holders, based on mutual trust and respect
• Self-starter/ able to plan and co-ordinate project implementation
• Strong inter-personal and communication skills

Why choose Braintree District Council?
Braintree District Council is a great place to work and we pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach that is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

Benefits:

• Local Government Pension Scheme Defined Benefit Scheme
• Free Car Parking
• Health and Wellbeing Programme
• Payment of Professional Subscription
• Staff Discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Career Path
• Flexible working opportunities

For further information please view the Job Profile.

Closing date for applications is midnight on Tuesday 11th April 2023.

To apply, please click Apply Online, below.