The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
We're looking for a motivated Accountant to join our Finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working in partnership with services, providing meaningful financial insight, and supporting strategic decision-making across a large and complex organisation.
As an Accountant, you'll work closely with Finance Business Partners, budget managers and senior stakeholders to improve financial management, deliver robust budgetary control, and support the efficient use of public resources
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As an Accountant, you'll play a key role in supporting the Council's financial management arrangements, helping services make informed decisions and ensuring public resources are used effectively. Working closely with Finance Business Partners, budget managers and senior stakeholders, you'll provide professional financial advice, analysis and insight that supports both operational and strategic objectives.
Your responsibilities will include:
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Supporting monthly budget monitoring and the annual budget-setting process, helping managers understand financial performance and identify risks and opportunities.
- Providing detailed financial information, reports and analysis to support sound decision-making across a range of service areas.
- Undertaking variance analysis, benchmarking exercises and financial reviews to drive continuous improvement and value for money.
- Assisting with the production of statutory returns, CIPFA benchmarking data and other financial reporting requirements.
- Supporting year-end processes, management account closures and responding to audit queries as required.
You'll also contribute to developing more efficient financial processes, supporting change initiatives and working collaboratively across the organisation to strengthen financial management and governance.
About you
We're looking for a proactive and analytical finance professional who enjoys working in partnership with others and can translate complex financial information into practical advice. You'll be confident building relationships with a range of stakeholders and able to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
You'll have:
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Full AAT qualification or be part-qualified CCAB (or equivalent), with relevant finance experience.
- Experience working within local government or another large, complex organisation.
- Experience using financial systems and reporting tools to produce accurate and meaningful management information.
- Experience contributing to budget setting, monitoring and financial planning activities.
- Strong Excel skills and the ability to analyse data, identify trends and draw accurate conclusions.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
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Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact
[email protected]
Closing Date: Thursday 16th July 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
