Job reference REQ00000017862
Date posted 03/02/2025
Application closing date 23/02/2025
Location CARLISLE
Salary £43,693 - £44,711
Contractual hours 37
Basis Full time
About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents, and protecting our environment.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.
We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!
About this opportunity
We’re recruiting for a Technical Finance Officer – VAT and Banking to support our Group Accountant within our Finance Service to provide transactional services, cash receipting and income management, VAT returns, bank reconciliation, control accounting, and reconciliations.
The post has line management responsibility and will support the relevant legacy systems, their harmonisation, and retirement, as well as support the future relevant system solutions.
The post is technical in specialist areas of finance, providing robust advice, ensuring compliance, and proper accounting practice.
Key responsibilities
* Manage, motivate and support the development of staff within the team
* Maintain accounting records to a high standard, and complete financial statements, grant claims, monitoring and reconciliation of control accounts, VAT returns, annual partial exemption calculation.
* Support the production of the Council’s statutory accounts and liaise with the external auditor as required.
* Act as the Council’s technical expert in the field of Local Government VAT, organising and providing such advice and training as is required to other Officers and Members.
* Oversee the day-to-day management of the Council’s principal bank accounts, including the release of AP and payroll BACS and cheque runs, prompt and accurate reconciliation of the bank accounts.
* Provide flexible and professional financial services to managers across the Council.
* Represent the Finance Team at meetings with Members, Chief Officers, senior officers of external organisations, and Government Departments and Agencies.
Who we’re looking for
Essential Criteria:
* Qualified Accountant (CCAB) or qualified by experience (e.g. AAT, ATT plus relevant experience aligned to accreditations)
* Substantial experience of providing VAT and taxation advice services.
* Knowledge of preparation & submission of VAT returns for large multifunctional organisation.
* Good technical knowledge in accounting covering all aspects of budget preparation, in-year monitoring and forecasting, and year-end accounting.
* Well-developed communication skills with the ability to negotiate, influence and persuade.
* Experience of introducing best practice and innovation with services.
* Substantial experience of providing accounting services.
* Good technical background in all aspects of Local Government Accounting.
* Experience of statutory accounting requirements including capital and preparation of statement of accounts.
* Experience of preparing grant claims and other statistical returns.
* Experience of training/coaching one-on-one or in a group environment.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience of provision of accounting support to service managers of the relevant service discipline.
* Experience of supervision of staff.
* Ability to make quick and accurate decisions when faced with limited information.
* Ability to work with non-finance managers to provide objective and understandable financial advice.
* Presentation skills.
* Report writing.
Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!
We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values, we encourage you to apply or contact susan.telfer@cumberland.gov.uk for an informal chat prior to your application.
Cumberland Council Staff Benefits
Pay
* As a real living wage paying employer, we offer competitive rates of pay
* Our pay scales are nationally agreed and come with a national annual pay review*
* A range of allowances to recognise times where you're available out of hours if we need you, or where you take on extra responsibilities beyond your role.
*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services
Pension
* Opportunity to join a generous defined benefit pension scheme to secure your future (most employees are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme)
* Opportunity to boost your pension with Additional Pension Contributions which will increase your annual defined benefit amount
* Opportunity to build a defined contribution pot on the side of your defined benefit pension through Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
Holidays
* 25 days holiday per year when you start, rising to 31 days holiday per year after 5 years of service
* 8 public holidays
* The option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months
Flexible Working
* Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work remotely from home supporting a culture that fits around you*
* A flexi-time scheme where you could vary your start and finish times and also build up 3 days flexi-time and take up to 2 flexi days off per month*
*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.
Learning and Development
* Dedicated development time each week*
* Access to an online learning portal offering more than 150 courses
* Access to regular development programmes to build the soft skills to succeed
* Opportunity to study professional qualifications to help you get the certifications you need for your role or to advance your career.
*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.
Deals and Discounts
* Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
* Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
* Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
* Spec Savers eyecare voucher
* Free flu jabs in winter from participating pharmacies
Employee Assistance & Support
* In house staff support networks
* Employee assistance programme offering mental health support
* Access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment
Application and Interview information
* Closing date: 23/02/25
* Interview date:TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please upload a copy of your CV with your application
Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.
We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted to fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.
We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.
Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. Adjustments are not always guaranteed although we will endeavour to make adjustments that are reasonable to accommodate your needs.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Cumberland Council offers a guaranteed interview scheme to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
* Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
* Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
* Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.
Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals.
Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.
Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.
These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:
* Race Equality
* Rainbow Alliance
* Menopause Support
* Carers Network
* Shine Community
* Wellbeing/Health Advocates
* Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.
Please read the supporting information:
Post Specification
Role Profile
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