Assistant Financial Accountant
West Midlands | Hybrid working | Competitive salary and excellent benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Assistant Financial Accountants to join a well-established public sector organisation, supporting the delivery of high-quality financial reporting, technical accounting and statutory returns. Sitting within a corporate finance team, these roles offer the chance to play a key part in the production of the statement of accounts and audit process, with opportunities to specialise in either VAT or capital accounting.
Working as part of a collaborative and forward-thinking finance function, you will gain exposure to a wide range of technical accounting areas while contributing to continuous improvement and strong financial governance.
What you’ll do
- Support the delivery of the annual statement of accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with statutory deadlines
- Lead on technical and capital accounting entries, applying relevant regulations and best practice
- Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to provide clear financial advice and insight
- Act as a key contact for internal and external audit, resolving queries efficiently
- Take ownership of balance sheet reconciliations, maintaining strong financial controls
- Develop financial models and support statutory returns, including VAT submissions
- Support and mentor junior team members within the finance function
- For the VAT-focused role, prepare and review VAT returns, ensuring accuracy and identifying discrepancies
- For the capital-focused role, maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring accurate classification and depreciation
What you’ll need
- AAT Level 4 or part-qualified with a recognised accounting body
- Experience working within a finance environment, ideally within the public sector
- Strong technical accounting knowledge with the ability to apply this in practice
- Experience using financial systems such as Oracle and advanced Excel skills
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-finance stakeholders
- Exposure to VAT and or capital accounting would be advantageous
You will benefit from a flexible hybrid working pattern, generous annual leave entitlement, and the opportunity to develop specialist technical expertise within a supportive and progressive finance team.
About the company
This organisation is a large and diverse public sector body based in the West Midlands, serving a broad and vibrant community. With excellent transport links and a strong focus on community impact, it offers a rewarding environment where finance plays a key role in supporting essential services and long-term strategic objectives.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, to avoid disappointment apply today!
Thank you!
Coastline Housing is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Head of Finance Planning & Control.
Coastline is a values-driven housing association committed to delivering high-quality homes and services across Cornwall. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, customer-first service, and continuous improvement, the organisation is building a data-driven and forward-thinking finance function to support its long-term corporate plan.
The Role
The Head of Finance Planning & Control is a senior leadership role within the Finance & Performance team, reporting directly to the Director of Finance. You will lead on financial planning, treasury management, and tax strategy, while ensuring robust financial controls and high-quality insight to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the Group’s financial planning function, ensuring accurate and timely business and rent plans to inform strategic decisions.
- Oversee treasury management, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and proactive management of debt, cashflow, and security.
- Support the Director of Finance in securing appropriate funding to meet organisational needs.
- Lead tax planning activities, ensuring compliance while optimising financial efficiency.
- Ensure all regulatory returns are completed accurately and on time.
- Provide financial support to development activities in partnership with the
- Development Finance function.
- Oversee purchase ledger operations and ensure robust financial systems and controls are in place.
- Drive continuous improvement of financial processes, policies, and systems.
- Partner with stakeholders across the organisation to deliver meaningful financial insight and support effective decision-making.
- Contribute to the development of a data-driven, high-performing finance team.
- Deputise for the Director of Finance and support the wider Senior Management Group as required.
Candidate Requirements
We are seeking a strategic, technically strong, and collaborative finance professional with:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CPFA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in long-term financial planning and treasury management.
- Strong understanding of financial accounting principles, tax, and regulatory requirements.
- A track record of improving financial processes, systems, and controls.
- Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
- The ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation.
Desirable:
- Experience within the housing association or public sector environment.
- Exposure to development finance activities.
Benefits
Coastline offers a competitive and attractive benefits package, including:
- Electric car scheme.
- Relocation package available for candidates moving to the area.
- Generous pension contribution of 8%.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- The opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation making a real impact.
Location
Based at Coastline House in Cornwall, with hybrid working 3 in the office.
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