Corporate Accountant

This fixed-term post, for two years, sits in the Corporate Finance team at Somerset Council. The core of the work is keeping the council’s balance sheet accounts accurate through monthly reconciliations, clearing aged differences and supporting year-end statutory accounts and audit. Hybrid working is offered with occasional travel across the county, and current council staff may apply as a secondment. Visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Prepare, review and maintain monthly balance sheet reconciliations
• Investigate and resolve reconciling differences, aged items and accounting discrepancies
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of key balance sheet areas, including debtors, creditors, inventories, payroll, Collection Fund, Housing Benefit, rent and reserves
• Support year-end accounts and statutory financial statements with balance sheet evidence and working papers
• Liaise with budget holders, finance colleagues and auditors on accounting queries
• Strengthen financial controls, reconciliation processes and governance arrangements
• Contribute to finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Professional accountancy qualification or equivalent relevant financial qualification

Experience

• Significant experience in balance sheet control, account reconciliation and financial accounting
• Experience supporting external audit and maintaining high-quality financial documentation

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge of accounting standards, financial controls and corporate governance requirements
• Proven ability to analyse complex financial information, identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills

What’s offered

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy additional leave
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
• Paid volunteering opportunities

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