Divisional Accountant – Public Health

Location: London

Job Type: interim contract

Day rate: £500

Sector: Public Sector / Local Government

About the role:

We are seeking an experienced Divisional Accountant to provide financial and management accounting support to a Public Health division within a London-based local authority.

Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, you will work closely with budget holders and senior managers to support effective financial management, accurate forecasting and informed decision-making across a range of public health services.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional with strong analytical skills and public sector accounting experience to contribute to the effective delivery of essential local services.

Key responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with budget holders to understand financial developments, service priorities and budgetary pressures.
• Prepare accurate monthly financial forecasts and monitor expenditure against agreed budgets.
• Produce high-quality monthly financial reports, providing clear analysis and insight into the financial position of service areas.
• Provide financial advice and budgetary guidance to budget holders and senior management.
• Support the annual closure of accounts, including liaising with external auditors as required.
• Lead on financial aspects of key statistical submissions and grant returns.
• Update and maintain budgets, ensuring financial information is accurate and up to date.
• Provide financial input and advice on key projects and service developments.
• Support effective performance management, work planning and staff development where supervisory responsibilities apply.
• Contribute to service planning, performance monitoring and the delivery of efficient and effective financial services.

About you:

You will be a proactive and organised finance professional with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

You should have:

• Experience in financial and management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.
• The ability to analyse financial information, identify variances and provide practical advice to budget holders.
• Experience supporting year-end accounts and audit processes.
• Strong communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet financial reporting deadlines.
• A commitment to accuracy, accountability and continuous service improvement.

Experience within local government, the public sector or a health-related service environment would be advantageous.