Accountant

Your Finance Expertise. Our Community Impact.

Join one of the UK’s leading fire and rescue services and play a key role in managing public funds that help protect and serve the people of Cheshire. At Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, we are a progressive, forward-thinking organisation where your finance career can thrive while making a genuine difference to our communities.

We're currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Accountant to support the delivery of financial services across the organisation. This is a varied and rewarding role, offering you exposure to all aspects of financial management, statutory accounting, and budget planning.

Why You Should Join Us:

Diverse Financial Experience

From budget preparation and final accounts to treasury management and audit liaison, this role provides a broad platform for financial growth and development.

Career Development in a Progressive Setting

You’ll gain experience across key functions, be involved in high-impact projects, and benefit from a supportive environment that promotes continuous professional development.

Purposeful Work

Your financial expertise will directly support frontline emergency services, enabling us to invest effectively in people, equipment, and community safety initiatives.

Supportive, Inclusive Culture

We champion equality, diversity, and inclusion and promote flexible working, wellbeing, and a strong sense of belonging across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets in partnership with operational managers.

• Contribute to the production of statutory accounts and liaise with auditors.

• Provide accurate and timely financial information to support decision-making.

• Supervise and produce statutory and non-statutory financial returns, including VAT and FOI responses.

• Support treasury management activities including cash flow forecasting.

• Maintain the Authority’s asset register and assist in managing financial systems and processes.

• Represent the Finance team in cross-departmental projects and meetings.

• Provide advice, training, and support to budget holders and internal stakeholders.

• Lead and support team members to ensure consistent delivery of financial services.

Essential Skills and Experience:

✔ Professionally qualified accountant (CCAB bodies – e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).

✔ Experience working with operational managers to prepare and manage budgets.

✔ Recent experience in the production of final accounts (local authority experience desirable).

✔ Experience of working with large financial ledger systems.

✔ Proven ability to meet tight deadlines.

✔ Experience in cash flow forecasting and treasury processes.

✔ Management experience in a financial setting.

✔ Strong understanding of tax-related matters.

✔ Proficiency with complex spreadsheets and Microsoft Office tools.

✔ Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Important Note:

Any successful applicant will be subject to a standard DBS check. This is a key requirement for all roles within Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, as we are committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals in the communities we serve.

Be Part of a Team That Delivers Real Value

If you're looking for a varied finance role where you can broaden your experience, grow professionally, and make a meaningful contribution to the community - this is the opportunity for you.

Job description

General information

Application guidance notes

Application form

Closing Date: 8 June 2025

Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations

It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. For example, in relation to disability; a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia; pregnancy; religion or belief; or injury etc.

Any requests for workplace adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. For support or further information please email: recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children, and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children, and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.