Group Accountant – Housing Services

The challenge for Hackney is to make sure that the borough’s economic growth provides benefits for everyone who lives here, whilst also creating opportunities that will transform the lives of local people. We know that staff are key to our success and we are seeking people with ambition, creativity and commitment to our corporate values to help us achieve the best for the people of Hackney. In the face of unprecedented budgetary demands we need financial leaders of the future to help us tackle our challenges head on so that we can continue to provide the services our residents rely on.

Hackney Council is looking for a Group Accountant to manage the finances in Housing Services The post holder will provide strategic financial advisory, planning and support service for all aspects of Tenancy Service and Home Ownership (within Housing Services).

and work with the Assistant Director of Finance to set robust controls, all at a time of real economic challenge in the public sector.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and experience of Housing Finance to provide the level of leadership and support required in this senior position, including knowledge of the challenges affecting the service area and the Council as a whole and the strategies being applied to address them. The postholder will be responsible for the preparation of the annual estimates for the service, lead in the year-end closure of the accounts and budget monitoring process and provide high level financial advice. All of these will involve working closely with staff in the Tenancy and Home Ownership including the Operational Director. They will also directly manage a team of two and have shared supervisory responsibility for one other team member and any apprentices allocated to the team.

To flourish in this role, you will need to build relationships and understand the business needs with broader financial objectives. You need to be part CCAB qualified or have extensive accounting experience with a solid understanding of local government Housing finance.

For further details on the role, please refer to the job description and person specification or contact Julie Curtis, Assistant Director of Finance – Housing and Regeneration at julie.curtis@hackney.gov.uk

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 29 May 2025 (22.59)

Interview and assessment date: W/C 9 June 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk