Service Accountant

Service Accountant (Adult Social Care)

At Connect2Hackney, we are looking for a proactive, user-focused Service Accountant to join the Finance and Resources directorate at the London Borough of Hackney.

In this pivotal role, you will act as a trusted financial partner for the Adult Social Care Service, offering high-quality advice, support, and constructive challenge to service managers across the council. You will play a vital part in driving our efficiency programme, managing service budgets, and helping deliver operational decisions that support a better Hackney.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle, budget setting, regular monitoring, and accounts closing (across capital and revenue), ensuring clear audit trails and adherence to timetables.
• Provide proactive financial guidance for operational decisions, offering challenge or justification to optimise service outcomes.
• Scan for emerging financial risks within service areas, alert key managers, and collaborate to implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Deputise for the Group Accountant as required and supervise, coach, and develop Accountancy Assistants in the team.
• Prepare accurate financial information for statistical returns, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and internal/external queries, ensuring strict adherence to council standing orders and legislation.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications: Fully qualified AAT, part-qualified CCAB, or equivalent practical experience within a large, complex finance environment.
• Strong background in customer-focused management accounting, cost centre management, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Proven ability to translate complex financial data for non-finance stakeholders, navigate political drivers, and build positive cross-organisational relationships.
• Initiative and sound judgment to analyse financial risks, solve problems, and know when to escalate issues to minimise organisational risk.
• A dedication to supporting diverse communities and delivering on the Council''s vision.

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.