3 months contract with local authorityRole Overview: We are looking for an Accountant to join the Childrens Services finance team. The role will support Childrens Social Care (CSC), so it is important that candidates have experience with CSC placements to hit the ground running. Key Responsibilities: Budget Monitoring: Play an active role in budget monitoring, ensuring value is added throughout the process. This includes explaining financials in simple terms, providing challenge, supporting the development of mitigations, and presenting information to senior colleagues. Financial Modelling and Appraisal: Conduct robust financial analysis for various mini projects. Strong and proven financial modelling and analytical skills are essential. Communication: Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills. The ability to communicate difficult messages confidently but with compassion and tact is very important. Line Management: Manage two Assistant Accountants. Line management experience is desirable. Service Context: The service is experiencing financial pressures and has challenging saving targets to deliver over the medium-term. The Accountant will support significant service transformation to manage and mitigate the current overspend while supporting the delivery of the saving programme.