Assistant Accountant (Part Time)

Assistant Accountant| Newquay | Contract (18m)|

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for the next step in your public sector career? Butler Rose is delighted to be partnering with a well-established public sector organisation in Newquay to recruit an Assistant Accountant. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on responsibility, teamwork, and making a meaningful impact within a community-focused organisation.

About the Role

Working closely with the Chief Finance Officer, you'll play a pivotal part in the effective financial management, governance, and operational delivery of the Council's finance function. You will support statutory compliance and lead day-to-day accounting activity.

This position offers significant professional breadth-from procurement oversight and payroll administration through to committee reporting, audit preparation, and deputising for the CFO when required.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations including budget monitoring, reconciliations, banking, cashflow and expenditure management.
• Support annual budget setting, precept documentation and statutory returns (AGAR, VAT, pensions, HMRC).
• Deliver month-end and year-end reporting, ensuring all financial governance aligns with legislation and internal regulations.

Payroll & Staff Payments

• Oversee the monthly payroll cycle using Moneysoft (or similar), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely submissions.
• Liaise with HR regarding salary changes, new starters, leavers and statutory pay requirements.

Procurement & Contracts

• Lead procurement activity, ensuring adherence to procurement law, Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
• Manage tendering, due diligence, contract set-up and audit-ready record keeping.

Grants & Funding

• Oversee the organisation's grants programme and support external grant applications and reporting.

Corporate Reporting & Governance

• Prepare and present financial reports for committees and contribute to wider governance documentation.
• Deputise for the CFO when required, supporting urgent decision-making.

Risk, Audit & Compliance

• Support internal and external audits, implement improvements and maintain risk-management practices.

About You

Essential:

• AAT Level 3 (or above) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of public sector finance, or the ability and willingness to adapt quickly.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Excel and finance systems.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain finance to non-specialists.
• Experience managing or mentoring colleagues.

Desirable:

• CCAB qualification (CIPFA / ACCA / CIMA) or working towards it.
• Experience in grant funding or project finance.
• Public sector experience.

Why Apply?

This role offers meaningful responsibility, excellent exposure to senior leadership, and the chance to directly influence financial governance within a respected public sector organisation. It's ideal for someone seeking progression, variety and the opportunity to deputise at a senior level.

How to Apply

Please apply with an up to date copy of your CV.

For further information please contact:

#IND-LL-25

Butler Rose is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Butler Rose Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.