Service Accountant – Housing

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 Service Accountant to manage the finances in Housing Services. The post holder will provide strategic financial advisory, planning and support service for all aspects of Repairs and Building Maintenance (within Housing Services), and work with the Group Accountant to set robust controls, all at a time of real economic challenge in the public sector.

You will be responsible for ensuring the three main pillars of the annual budget cycle (budget setting, budget monitoring and closing of accounts) are completed for a range of services while working with service managers to get the job done. In return we will provide you with the opportunity to rise to the challenge, develop your skills and progress your career within a vibrant and well performing Council.

To flourish in this role, you will need to build relationships and understand the business needs with broader financial objectives. need to be a qualified accountant, currently studying towards your qualifications, or have experience of working in an accounting environment within a large organisation. An understanding of local government Housing Finance is desirable. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to take a step into a finance role as part of a friendly, welcoming team.

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