Local Government South East
Group Accountant
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Full Time
Permanent
Portsmouth
Posted 6 hours ago
52412 - 56759 £ / Year
Closes: 9 August 2026
Website: Portsmouth City Council
Local Government
We are looking to recruit a talented and motivated Group Accountant to join our Children, Families and Education Finance Team.
Your new role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting some of the council’s most important services, helping to shape financial strategy, drive improvement, and ensure resources deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
Based within the Finance and Resources Directorate, you will play a pivotal role in the annual budget-setting process for schools, colleges and early years providers. You will ensure funding is allocated effectively and in line with national regulations. Working closely with senior leaders, schools and other stakeholders, you will monitor and report on financial performance, provide expert advice, and support informed decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
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- Leading the annual Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget-setting process and school funding arrangements
- Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, national guidance and council financial regulations
- Monitoring and reporting on funding performance
- Identifying financial risks and opportunities
- Delivering statutory financial returns and statements
- Providing high-quality financial analysis, advice and support for key projects, working groups and government reform programmes
- Supporting the Schools Forum through insightful financial reporting and recommendations
- Delivering guidance and strategic financial support to maintained schools to promote long-term financial sustainability
- Supporting the implementation of Department for Education funding reforms and policy changes
- Building strong relationships with schools, education providers and external partners
Who Is The Person Summary
A CCAB qualified accountant with evidence of professional development, you will have experience of building productive relationships and influencing a wide range of stakeholders. With strong leadership and people management skills you will be able to provide strategic financial advice to senior officers and management teams/working groups on finance related issues. You will have a high standard of spreadsheet skills and proven experience of developing and maintaining complex financial models. You will have substantial experience of budget preparation, monitoring, monthly accounts, reconciliations and year-end statutory reporting activity. You will have a sound knowledge of Local Government finance and wider financial and regulatory environment, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to prioritise work to meet key deadlines. Resilient, adaptable and able to perform effectively during demanding periods, you will have a willingness to learn and a proactive approach to learning and personal development.
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To apply for this job please visit searchjobs.portsmouth.gov.uk.
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