Financial Accountant

Are you a detail-driven finance professional with a passion for public sector excellence? We’re looking for a dynamic and experienced Finance Accountant to join our team and play a key role in delivering robust financial management and strategic insight.

About the Role: - As a Finance Accountant, you will work closely with operational managers to support budget planning, financial reporting, and strategic decision-making. You’ll be instrumental in preparing final accounts and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, particularly within a Local Authority context.

Essential requirements of the role include:

1. Fully Qualified CCAB Accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS, or Chartered Accountants Ireland).

2. Proven experience in budget preparation and financial support for operational teams.

3. Recent hands-on experience with final accounts, ideally within a local authority

4. Strong working knowledge of large financial ledger systems

5. Demonstrated ability to work to tight deadlines and produce accurate cash flow forecasts.

6. Solid understanding of VAT and other taxation matters.

7. Proficiency with complex spreadsheets and Microsoft Office tools.

For more detailed information about the responsibilities, please read the attached job description.

To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence of competency against the requirements of the attached job description.

CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.

Further information, a full job description and application form can be found below, or alternatively contact the HR Recruitment Team at recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Job description

Application guidance notes

Application form

Please ensure you read the Application guidance notes before completing your application.

Please return completed application forms via email to recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Please quote job reference 21/25/FA on your application form.

Closing Date for Applications: 5 pm, Friday 25 July 2025

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all 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.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.

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

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and those with non-traditional career paths. If you’re passionate about the role we would encourage you to apply — your unique perspective could be exactly what we’re looking for.